Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and president-general of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has declared Friday as the first day of Shawwal 1447 AH in Nigeria.

By this declaration, Muslims across the nation are expected to observe their Eid-el-Fitr prayer and celebration on Friday.

The Sultan made the announcement in a broadcast on Wednesday, confirming that the new crescent of Shawwal had not been sighted following the non-receipt of reports by the committee.

“The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee across the country, confirmed the non-sighting of the new moon of Shawwal.

“Wednesday, March 18, 2026, which is equivalent to Ramadan 29, 1447 AH, means March 19, 2026 will be Ramadan 30, 1447 AH.

“Therefore, the Sultan has accepted the report and declared Friday, March 20, as the first day of Shawwal 1447 AH, and by this report, Friday is Eid-el-Fitr Day,” he declared.

Mr Abubakar urged Muslims to uphold the lessons learned during Ramadan and to sustain their prayers for peace, unity, and progress across the country, while calling on them to pray for the nation’s leaders.

Additionally, the Sultan encouraged wealthy individuals to continue assisting the less privileged, as practised during Ramadan.

He stressed the importance of religious tolerance, unity, and national cohesion among Nigerians and prayed to Almighty Allah to strengthen leaders in their commitment to lead the nation to prosperity.

Shawwal is the tenth month of the Islamic calendar that follows the sacred month of Ramadan.

(NAN)