The Digest:
Muslims in Nigeria will observe the 30th day of Ramadan on Thursday, after the crescent moon marking the beginning of Shawwal 1447 was not sighted on Wednesday evening. Sultan of Sokoto Sa'ad Abubakar III confirmed that Eid-el-Fitr will therefore be celebrated on Friday, March 20. The federal government had already declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays for the festival. Saudi Arabia also announced the moon was not sighted, completing 30 days of Ramadan. Muslims will gather for special Eid prayers on Friday to mark the end of the fasting month.
Key Points:
- The Sultan's announcement aligns Nigerian Muslims with Saudi Arabia's declaration, ensuring unified observance.
- Thursday remains a fasting day as Ramadan completes 30 days before Eid celebrations on Friday.
- The public holidays declared by the government accommodate the confirmed Eid date, allowing Muslims to celebrate.
- Muslims who sighted the moon elsewhere must follow the Sultan's authoritative declaration.
- Eid marks the end of a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection, transitioning to festive celebrations.
Sources: Premium Times, Sultan of Sokoto, NSCIA
