A Nigerian Muslim has stated that he only follows the Sultan of Sokoto’s orders on moon sightings and other Muslim-related matters.
Saudi Arabia said on Monday that the crescent of Shawwal has not been sighted, indicating that the fasting will continue on Tuesday.
It also added that Eid-El-Fitr would be held on Wednesday, April 10, to mark the beginning of the new Islamic month.
This disclosure was made on Haramin’s official Facebook page, an official platform for the Muslim community across the world.
“The crescent moon was not sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
“May Allāh allow us to utilise the remaining moments of this blessed month to engage in that which pleases Him, may He accept our siyām, qiyām and a’māl; and may He allow us to witness many more Ramadāns in good health. Āmīn,” it wrote.
Adamu Garba, in a social media post on “X,” noted, “For the sighting of the moon and all other matters related to Muslims, I follow the orders of the Sultan of Sokoto, not Saudi Arabia.
“He is my Ulul’amr, and I wait for his final announcement.
However, Nigerian Muslims are expected to wait for the announcement of the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Sa’ad Abubakar, later in the day.
The Sultan on Sunday called on Muslims across the nation to look out for the new moon marking the beginning of Shawwal 1445 AH.
In a statement by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council in Sokoto, Sambo Wali, he urged individuals who spot the new moon to promptly inform the relevant authorities.
“Muslims are therefore requested to start looking for the new moon of Shawwal 1445AH on Monday and report its sighting to the nearest district or village head for onward communication to His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, the Sultan of Sokoto,” the statement reads.