Sultan of Sokoto Declares Friday, as Eid-el-Fitr Day Nationwide

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has officially declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the day for the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr across Nigeria.

NaijaChoice News reports that the declaration came after the Sultanate Council received no confirmed reports of the Shawwal 1447AH crescent moon sighting anywhere in the country on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

In the official statement signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, the council explained that Wednesday corresponded to the 29th day of Ramadan 1447AH. With no moon sighted, Thursday, March 19, will therefore complete the full 30 days of the holy fasting month.

“His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, has accepted the report from the National Moon Sighting Committee and accordingly declared Friday, 20th March 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, signifying the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr,” the statement read.

This announcement aligns with Nigeria’s long-standing tradition of relying on actual moon sighting rather than astronomical calculations alone, ensuring uniformity among the nation’s Muslim population. It follows the Sultan’s earlier directive for Muslims to actively search for the Shawwal crescent on Wednesday evening, with reports to be channeled through designated numbers and local committees.

The Sultan urged the Muslim Ummah to use the joyous occasion to offer special prayers for peace, unity, and sustained progress in Nigeria. “As we mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan, let us pray fervently for the continued stability and development of our dear country,” he emphasised.

Muslims nationwide are now expected to converge at Eid prayer grounds on Friday morning for the two-rakat Eid prayers, followed by celebrations marked by feasting, family visits, and acts of charity (Zakat al-Fitr), which many have already distributed in line with Islamic injunctions.

The declaration brings relief and excitement to millions of Nigerian Muslims who have observed the rigorous 30-day fast amid economic challenges and security concerns. It also reinforces the Sultan’s revered role as the spiritual leader guiding the faithful on key Islamic dates.