Sokoto: Dr Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has officially declared Friday as the first day of Shawwal 1447 AH, marking Eid-el-Fitr in Nigeria.
By this declaration, Muslims nationwide are to observe their Eid al-Fitr prayers and celebrations on Friday.
The Sultan announced on Wednesday that the new Shawwal crescent had not been sighted, as the committee had received no reports.
“The Advisory Committee and National Moon Sighting Committee did not sight the Shawwal moon.“Wednesday, March 18, 2026, which is equivalent to Ramadan 29, 1447 AH, means that Thursday, March 19, 2026, will be the 30th day of Ramadan 1447 AH.”
Therefore, the Sultan has accepted the report and declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447 AH. By this report, Friday, March 20, 2026, is the Eid-el-Fitr Day,” he declared. The Sultan called on Muslims to uphold Ramadan’s teachings and continue prayers for peace, unity, progress, and national leadership.
He also encouraged the wealthy to continue supporting the less privileged, as practised during Ramadan.
He emphasised the importance of religious tolerance, unity, and cohesion among citizens, and prayed to Almighty Allah to guide leaders toward national prosperity.
NAN reports that Shawwal is the tenth Islamic month, following Ramadan.
