Sultan of Sokoto: Moon Not Sighted in Nigeria; Fasting Period May Extend
Sultan of Sokoto: Moon Not Sighted in Nigeria; Fasting Period May Extend
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced that fasting may continue on Sunday, as the moon marking the end of Ramadan has not been sighted in Nigeria.
This declaration was made in a statement issued by the Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, on Saturday. The NSCIA urged Muslims to look for the crescent of Shawwal on the 29th of Ramadan. Should the crescent be sighted in accordance with established moon sighting procedures, His Eminence will officially proclaim Sunday, March 30, 2025, as the 1st of Shawwal and the day of Idul Fitr.
In the statement, the NSCIA expressed its best wishes to Nigerian Muslims and the global Muslim community on the occasion of Idul Fitr 1446 A.H. The Sultan emphasized that if the moon is not sighted, Monday, March 31, 2025, will be observed as Eid al-Fitr.
The Sultan also called on all Muslims to engage in heartfelt prayers during the final days of Ramadan, seeking peace, security, and development for Nigeria.
