Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, has issued a directive to the Muslim community to commence the sighting of the Shawwal moon from Monday, marking the potential end of Ramadan.
If sighted, the Sultan will announce the following day as Eid-el-Fitr.
The NSCIA Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, stated that if the moon is not observed, fasting will continue, with Wednesday, April 19, designated as Eid-el-Fitr.
Muslims are also reminded to fulfill the Zakatul Fitr, a mandatory charity before the Eid prayers.
The National Moon-Sighting Committee has advised the Ummah to look for the crescent after sunset on April 8, 2024, aligning with scientific predictions for the moon’s conjunction in Nigeria.
The Federal Government, represented by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has declared public holidays to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr and urged the Muslim community to embody virtues of kindness and compassion.
President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have arrived in Lagos and Maiduguri, respectively, to join the celebrations, with the President expected to return to Abuja post-holiday.
The Vice President was welcomed by Borno State officials and APC leaders.
