The Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar, has announced that the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr in Nigeria will take place on Wednesday, 10th April 2024, as the new crescent moon was not sighted in the country on Monday night. Consequently, Muslim faithful in Nigeria will observe the Ramadan fast on Tuesday.
As the President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the Sultan based his decision on reports from National Moon Sighting Committees across the country, confirming the non-sighting of the new moon.
A statement released on Monday evening by Prof Sambo Junaidu, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council, confirmed the council’s acceptance of the report and declared Wednesday, April 10, 2024, as the first day of Shawwal 1445AH.
The statement conveyed the Sultan’s felicitations to the Nigerian Muslim Ummah, wishing them Allah’s guidance and blessings. Additionally, the Sultan urged Muslims to continue praying for peace, progress, and development in the country, extending warm wishes for a happy Eid-El-Fitri to all Muslims.
Earlier reports indicated that the crescent moon was not sighted in Saudi Arabia, leading to the announcement that Eid Al Fitr will be observed on Wednesday, the 10th of April 2024, in Saudi Arabia.
The sighting of the moon marks the end of the annual Ramadan fast for Muslim faithful worldwide.