The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Friday 21st of April 2023 as the first day of Shawwal 1444AH in Nigeria.
The Sultan made the declaration in his palace in Sokoto on Thursday after the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee received several reports from various Moon Sighting committees across the country.
He said, therefore, Thursday is the 29th day of the month of Ramadan 1444 AH. and Friday is Eid Al Fitr.
The Sultan said he has accepted the report and accordingly declared Friday as the first day of Shawwal 1444AH, the Day of Eid-Al-Fitr.
He felicitated Nigerian Muslims and wished them God’s guidance and blessings, urging them to continue to pray for peace progress and development of the country
The sighting of the moon signals the end of the 29 or 30 days fasting by Muslims across the world in the Islamic month of Ramadan.
News Point Nigeria reports that, its the first time in three years that the Shawwal moon will be sighted on the 29th of Ramadan. There was no moon sighted for three consecutive years on the 29th of Ramadan. Muslims in Nigeria had 30 days Ramadan fasting in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
