The President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared tomorrow, April 10, as the day of Eid-el-Fitr. This follows the report from The Nation indicating that Saudi Arabia did not sight the crescent of Shawwal last night, signaling that fasting will continue today.
Despite this announcement, the public holidays declared by the Federal Government for today and tomorrow remain in effect. A statement from the Deputy Secretary General of NSCIA, Prof. Salisu Shehu, explained that there was no positive report of the sighting of the crescent of Shawwal 1445 AH on Ramadan 29, 1445 AH. As a result, Ramadan fast will continue tomorrow, Tuesday, April 9, 2024, as the 30th day of Ramadan. Wednesday, April 10, 2024, is now declared as the first day of Shawwal 1445 AH and the day of Eid-el-Fitr.
The council expressed its prayers that Almighty Allah accepts the fasting and other virtuous acts in Ramadan and grants everyone peaceful and blissful Eid celebrations. Another statement in Sokoto by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council, Prof. Sambo Junaidu, conveyed the Sultan's felicitations to the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and his wishes for Allah’s guidance and blessings. The Sultan also urged the Muslim Ummah to continue praying for peace, progress, and development of the country, while extending his wishes for a happy Eid-el-Fitr to all Muslims.
