Muslims in Nigeria Celebrate Eid-el-Fitr on Friday

By Love Oyedokun

SOKOTO, Nigeria – The spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has officially announced that Friday, March 20, 2026, will mark the commencement of Shawwal 1447AH and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr throughout Nigeria. The declaration signals the end of the holy month of Ramadan, a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims worldwide.

Cablenewss24 reports that tThe announcement was made public through a statement released by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, working in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee. The committees are responsible for observing and verifying the sighting of the new crescent moon, which determines the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic lunar calendar.

According to the official statement, despite diligent efforts and observations across the country, no credible reports were received on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 – the 29th day of Ramadan – confirming the sighting of the Shawwal crescent.

“Following established Islamic tradition and the absence of any verified sightings of the Shawwal crescent on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, it has been determined that Thursday, March 19, 2026, shall be observed as the 30th day of Ramadan 1447AH,” the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs stated. This decision aligns with the Islamic lunar calendar provisions, which stipulate that if the new moon is not sighted on the 29th day, the month is extended to 30 days.

Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, officially signed the statement, dated March 18, 2026, confirming the Sultan’s declaration that Friday, March 20, 2026, would be the 1st of Shawwal 1447AH, and therefore, the day for the joyous celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

“His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has carefully reviewed the submitted report and has accordingly declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, the day of Eid-El-Fitri,” the statement confirmed.

In his message to the Nigerian Muslim Ummah (community), the Sultan extended heartfelt felicitations on the successful completion of Ramadan, a month dedicated to spiritual growth, self-discipline, and increased devotion. He urged all Muslims to continue their prayers for the peace, unity, and overall development of the nation. The Sultan also fervently prayed that Allah Almighty (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala – SWT) accepts the ‘ibadat (acts of worship) offered by all Muslimin (Muslims) during the blessed month.

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“His Eminence, the Sultan, extends his warmest felicitations to the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings. The Sultan, while urging the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray fervently for the sustained peace, progress, and comprehensive development of the Country, also wishes all Muslims a joyous and blessed Eid-el-Fitr. May Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds, Amin,” the statement concluded.

The Eid-el-Fitr celebration is a significant religious holiday for Muslims worldwide, marking the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan. It is a time for family gatherings, feasting, exchanging gifts, and offering prayers of gratitude to Allah. Muslims typically attend special Eid prayers in the morning and engage in acts of charity and goodwill towards others.

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