By Philomina Brando
The Sultanate Council of 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 moon.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee of 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 further quoted the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, as accepting the report and approving the declaration.
“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),” the statement read.
Felicitating with Muslims across the country, the Sultan urged continued prayers for national peace, unity, and development.
“His Eminence felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings.
“He also urges the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the country,” the statement added.
The Sultan further expressed hope that the spiritual gains of Ramadan would be sustained beyond the fasting period, praying that “Allah (SWT) accepts our religious deeds.”
In Islam, the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal are determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, a tradition rooted in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. When the moon is not sighted on the 29th day, the fasting period is extended to 30 days before Eid-el-Fitr is observed.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs coordinates moon sighting efforts nationwide through a network of committees to ensure a unified announcement for Muslims across the country.