Shawwal Crescent Not Sighted, Sultan Declares Friday Eid El-Fitr
The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs has announced that the crescent moon marking the commencement of Shawwal 1447AH has not been sighted across Nigeria, thereby extending the Ramadan fast by one additional day.
In a statement issued late Wednesday in Sokoto, the committee confirmed that, in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee, no verified reports of the new moon were received from accredited observers nationwide.
Consequently, Thursday, March 19, 2026, will be observed as the 30th day of Ramadan, while Friday, March 20, 2026, has been officially designated as the first day of Shawwal and the day for the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
The development was further affirmed by Yahaya Muhammad Boyi, who conveyed that the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has approved the report and ratified the new date.
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“His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has accordingly declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH and the day of Eid al-Fitr,” he stated.
The Sultan extended his congratulations to the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and across the world, offering prayers for divine guidance and blessings. He also urged Muslims to continue praying for peace, unity, and national development.
The absence of a confirmed moon sighting means that Muslims in Nigeria will complete a full 30 days of fasting this year, in accordance with Islamic tradition, which prescribes either 29 or 30 days for Ramadan based on lunar visibility.
Eid al-Fitr, one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar, marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated globally with prayers, acts of charity, and communal festivities.
By PRNigeria
