The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Thursday, May 13, as Eid al-Fitr day.
He urged urged Muslims to continue fast on Wednesday as the 30th of Ramadan.
Sultan Abubakar made the declaration shortly after receiving the report of National Moon Sighting Committee.
According to the report, he said the Crescent month of Shawwal was not sighted across the country.
In a statement signed by Professor Sambo Junaidu, the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs Sultanate Council, Sokoto, the Sultan explained that “the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with National Moon sighting committee did not receive any report confirming the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal 1442 AH, on Tuesday May 11, 2021 which was the 29th day of Ramadan 1442AH.
“Therefore, Wednesday, May 12, 2021 is the 30th day of the month of Ramadan 1442AH and as Eid al- Filtr.
“The Sultan has accepted the report and accordingly declared Thursday, May 13, 2021 as the first day of Shawwal 1442AH, Day of Eid al-Fitr.”
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, and the holiday begins according to the sighting of the new moon.
Sultan Abubakar felicitated with Nigerian Muslims on the occasion of Eid and urged them to continue to pray for peace, unity and development of the country.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
