By Our Correspondent
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced that Friday will mark the first day of Shawwal 1447 AH in Nigeria.
With this declaration, Muslims nationwide are expected to observe the Eid-el-Fitr prayers and celebrations on that day.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in a broadcast, where the Sultan confirmed that the crescent moon for Shawwal was not sighted, as no verified reports were received by the relevant committees.
According to him, the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, working alongside the National Moon Sighting Committee, confirmed the non-sighting of the new moon. As a result, Wednesday, March 18, 2026 (Ramadan 29, 1447 AH), will be followed by Thursday, March 19, as Ramadan 30. Consequently, Friday, March 20, has been declared the first day of Shawwal and the day for Eid-el-Fitr.
The Sultan urged Muslims to uphold the values and lessons of Ramadan, emphasizing continued prayers for peace, unity, and national progress, as well as support for the country’s leaders.
He also encouraged those who are well-to-do to sustain acts of charity towards the less privileged, as practiced during Ramadan.
Additionally, he stressed the need for religious tolerance, unity, and national cohesion, praying for divine guidance and strength for leaders in steering the country toward prosperity.
Shawwal is the tenth month of the Islamic calendar and comes immediately after the holy month of Ramadan.
