Sultan of Sokoto declares Friday, March 20 as Eid-al-Fitr
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the day for the celebration of Eid-al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
The declaration followed the non-sighting of the new moon of Shawwal 1447AH on Wednesday, March 18, which corresponded to the 29th day of Ramadan.
In line with Islamic injunctions derived from the Qur’an and Hadith, Muslims are required to complete 30 days of fasting if the new moon is not sighted on the 29th day. Consequently, Thursday, March 19, was observed as the 30th day of Ramadan.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee, confirming that no verified reports of the Shawwal crescent were received from across the country.
The statement, signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, conveyed the Sultan’s approval of the report and the official declaration of the new Islamic month.
“He has accepted the report and accordingly declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH and the day of Eid-al-Fitr,” the statement said.
The Sultan congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria on the successful completion of Ramadan and urged continued prayers for peace, unity and national development.
He also prayed for the acceptance of the faithful’s acts of worship and wished Muslims across the country a joyous Eid-al-Fitr celebration.
