Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Wednesday, April 10, as Eid-Fitri day.
The Sultan, who doubles as the President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, said the decision followed the report of the National Moon Sighting Committees across the country, which confirmed that no new moon has been sighted.
A statement signed by the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council, Prof Sambo Junaidu, and made available to newsmen in Sokoto on Monday evening, said the council accepted the report and accordingly declared Wednesday, April 10, 2024, as the first day of Shawwal 1445AH.
The statement read, “His Eminence, the Sultan felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings.
“The Sultan, while urging the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress, and development of the country, also wishes all Muslims a happy Eid-El-Fitri.”
Saudi Arabia, had earlier on Monday, said the crescent of Shawwal had not been sighted, indicating that the fasting will continue on Tuesday.
The foremost Arab country added that the Eid-El-Fitr would be held on Wednesday, April 10 to mark the beginning of the new Islamic month.
It stated, “The crescent moon was not sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Wednesday, 10th April 2024.
“May Allāh allow us to utilise the remaining moments of this blessed month to engage in that which pleases Him, may He accept our siyām, qiyām & a’māl & may He allow us to witness many more Ramadāns in good health. Āmīn.”