Shawwal Crescent Sighted: Sultan Confirms Sunday as Eid-el-Fitr
The new moon of Shawwal 1446 AH has been sighted, signaling the end of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr. The official confirmation is expected from the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
Reliable sources confirmed that the crescent was sighted in multiple locations, meeting the criteria for declaring the commencement of Shawwal. With this development, Nigerian Muslims will observe Eid-el-Fitr on Sunday.
The Sultan, in keeping with tradition, is set to make a formal announcement shortly, detailing the sighting and its implications for the Muslim community in Nigeria.
Background on Eid-el-Fitr
Eid-el-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It is a day of thanksgiving, communal prayers, and charity. Muslims worldwide gather for special prayers at mosques and open grounds, share festive meals, and give Zakat al-Fitr, a compulsory form of charity to support the less fortunate.
The sighting of the Shawwal crescent determines the exact day of Eid, following the lunar calendar. In many countries, religious authorities or leaders officially declare the date based on verified sightings. The celebration varies across cultures but remains a significant occasion of joy, unity, and reflection for the global Muslim community.
