Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH after the crescent moon marking the end of Ramadan was not sighted.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by Sambo Wali Junaidu, chairman of the advisory committee on religious affairs, sultanate council, Sokoto, in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee, Nigeria.
The statement noted that there were no verified reports from across the country confirming the sighting of the Shawwal crescent on Wednesday, March 18, the 29th day of Ramadan.
He stated that Thursday, March 19, 2026, would therefore be observed as the 30th day of Ramadan 1447AH.
He also congratulated Muslims on completing the Ramadan fast and urged continued prayers for unity and national development.
The announcement followed an earlier declaration by the Federal Government of Nigeria, which set Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark Eid-el-Fitr, the festival that signifies the end of Ramadan.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, extended warm greetings and congratulations to Muslims on the successful completion of the holy month.
Saudi Arabia had also earlier confirmed that the Eid al-Fitr holiday would begin on Friday, according to a statement released by state media.
“The Supreme Council has decided that tomorrow, Thursday, is the completion of the 30th day of the month of Ramadan, and that Friday is the day of the Blessed Eid al-Fitr,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The timing of Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan, is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon in line with the Islamic lunar calendar.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, requiring Muslims to abstain from food, drink, smoking, and intimacy during daylight hours.
In addition, Muslims are encouraged to give charity and support those in need during the period.
