The Sultanate Council Sokoto has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, marking the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr across Nigeria, following the non-sighting of the new crescent.
This was announced in a press statement issued on Wednesday by the Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee Nigeria.
According to the statement, “no report was received from various Moon Sighting Committees across the country confirming the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal 1447AH” on Wednesday, March 18, which corresponded with the 29th day of Ramadan.
“Therefore, Thursday, 19th March 2026 is the 30th day of the month of Ramadan 1447AH,” the statement added.
“The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, accepted the report and “accordingly declared Friday, 20th March 2026 as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH (Day of Eid-el-Fitr).”
Felicitating with Muslims, the Sultan urged continued prayers for national peace and development.
“His Eminence felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings,” the statement read. “He also urges the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the country.”
The Sultan further expressed hope that the spiritual benefits of Ramadan would be sustained beyond the fasting period, praying that “Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds.”
In Islam, the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal are determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, a practice rooted in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, coordinates moon sighting efforts across Nigeria through a network of committees to ensure a unified announcement for Muslims in the country.
When the crescent is not sighted on the 29th day of Ramadan, the month is completed as 30 days, after which Eid-el-Fitr is observed the following day.
The statement was signed by Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.
