By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III has called on Muslims across Nigeria to begin the search for the crescent moon that will signal the end of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr (Sallah).
In a statement issued through the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the Sultan directed the Muslim faithful to look out for the Shawwal crescent on Wednesday evening.
The monarch explained that the sighting of the new moon would determine the end of the Ramadan fast and the commencement of the new Islamic month of Shawwal.
According to the statement, if the crescent is sighted after sunset on Wednesday, it would mark the end of fasting and the following day would be declared Eid-el-Fitr.
However, if the moon is not sighted, Muslims are expected to complete 30 days of Ramadan before celebrating the festival.
The Sultan noted that arrangements had been made with the National Moon Sighting Committee and relevant agencies to receive and verify credible reports of moon sightings from across the country.
He also urged Muslims to use the period to continue prayers for peace, unity and stability in Nigeria, especially in light of ongoing security and economic challenges.
The announcement is in line with Islamic tradition, where the lunar calendar determines the start and end of religious observances, including Ramadan and Eid celebrations.
Eid-el-Fitr, commonly known as Sallah in Nigeria, marks the end of the month-long fast and is celebrated with prayers, charity and festivities among Muslims worldwide.
