Eid-al-Fitr Celebration: Islamic Leader Announces Shawwal Begins on Friday, Calls for Devoted Prayers

The Sultanate Council of Sokoto has formally announced that Friday, March 20, 2026, will be the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, thereby marking the commencement of Eid-el-Fitr celebrations across Nigeria, following the unsuccessful sighting of the crescent moon.

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This declaration, which signals the conclusion of Ramadan nationwide, was made public in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Council's Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee.

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According to the statement, no credible reports were received from any part of the country confirming the sighting of the Shawwal crescent on Wednesday, March 18, which corresponds to the 29th day of Ramadan.

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As a result, Thursday, March 19, 2026, will be observed as the 30th day of Ramadan 1447AH, in accordance with the provisions of the Islamic lunar calendar.

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Acting on this report, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who is also the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, has approved the declaration of Friday as Eid-el-Fitr day.

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His Eminence has accepted the report and accordingly declared Friday, 20th March 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, as stated in the announcement.

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In his message to the Muslim faithful, the Sultan congratulated the Ummah on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and urged Nigerians to sustain the spirit of devotion beyond the holy month.

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He called on Muslims and all citizens to continue offering prayers for peace, unity, and national development, especially at a time when the country is facing socio-economic and security challenges.

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The declaration ensures uniformity in the observance of Eid-el-Fitr across Nigeria, reinforcing the coordinating role of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in harmonising religious practices nationwide.

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The Islamic calendar, which is based on lunar observations, requires the physical sighting of the new crescent to signal the end of Ramadan, a process that is centrally coordinated in Nigeria through committees across the country under the leadership of the Sultanate.

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The statement was signed by Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.