THE Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs has announced that the crescent moon marking the beginning of Shawwal 1447AH was not sighted across Nigeria, extending the Ramadan fast by an additional day.
In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria late on Wednesday in Sokoto, the committee disclosed that, in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee, it did not receive any verified reports confirming the sighting of the new moon from various committees across the country.
As a result, Friday, March 20, 2026, has been declared as the first day of Shawwal and the day for the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, while Thursday will be observed as the 30th day of Ramadan 1447AH.
The announcement was further confirmed by Yahaya Muhammad Boyi, who stated that the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has accepted the report and formally approved the new date.
“His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has accordingly declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH and the day of Eid al-Fitr,” he said.
The Sultan extended his felicitations to the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and beyond, praying for Allah’s guidance and blessings upon the faithful.
He also urged Muslims to sustain prayers for peace, unity, and the overall development of the country.
The delay in the sighting of the Shawwal crescent means that Muslims in Nigeria will complete a full 30 days of fasting this year, in line with Islamic tradition, which stipulates that Ramadan lasts either 29 or 30 days depending on the visibility of the moon.
Eid al-Fitr, one of the most significant Islamic festivals, marks the end of the fasting period and is celebrated with prayers, charity, and communal gatherings among Muslims worldwide.
