The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Friday as the first day of Shawwal 1447 AH, marking the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr across Nigeria.
Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, issued a press release on Wednesday.
The council’s announcement was based on the non-sighting of the Shawwal 1447 AH new moon on Wednesday, Ramadan 29.
When the crescent does not appear on the 29th day of Ramadan, the month is finished as 30 days, and Eid al-Fitr is performed the next day.
In Islam, the sighting of the crescent moon marks the conclusion of Ramadan and the start of Shawwal, a practice rooted in the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, oversees moon-sighting activities throughout Nigeria via a network of committees to ensure a united announcement for the country’s Muslims.
According to the statement, “No report was received from various moon sighting committees across the country confirming the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH on Wednesday, March 18, which corresponded with the 29th day of Ramadan.
“Therefore, Thursday, 19th March 2026, is the 30th day of the month of Ramadan 1447 AH,” the statement added.
“The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, accepted the report and accordingly declared Friday, 20th March 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447 AH (Day of Eid-el-Fitr),” the statement added.
Felicitating with Muslims, the Sultan urged continued prayers for national peace and development.
“His Eminence felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings,” the statement read.
The Sultan expressed optimism that Ramadan’s spiritual benefits would last beyond the fasting period, requesting that “Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds.”
