Amanze Chinonye
Muslims across Nigeria are awaiting an official announcement on the end of Ramadan as the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has directed a nationwide search for the Shawwal crescent, Prime Business Africa reports.
The directive, issued ahead of the conclusion of the fasting period, called on faithful to observe the moon on Wednesday, the 29th day of Ramadan 1447AH, and report any verified sightings through recognised traditional and religious channels.
Such reports are expected to be transmitted through district and village heads to the Sultanate Council, which will collate and verify the observations before making an official pronouncement.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAs President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the Sultan holds the authority to declare the end of Ramadan and the commencement of Eid al-Fitr in Nigeria.
If the crescent is sighted, Muslims will celebrate Eid the following day. However, if no valid sighting is confirmed, Ramadan will be completed as a 30-day cycle in line with Islamic tradition.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has already declared the end of Ramadan, announcing that Eid al-Fitr will be observed on Friday after completing 30 days of fasting.
In a statement published by the Saudi Press Agency, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia confirmed that the crescent moon was not sighted on the 29th day, making Thursday the final day of Ramadan.
“The Supreme Court has decided that tomorrow, Thursday, is the completion of the 30th day of the month of Ramadan, and that Friday is the day of the Blessed Eid al-Fitr,” the statement said.
The determination of Eid is based on the lunar Islamic calendar, which relies on the physical sighting of the crescent moon rather than fixed dates.
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Saudi Arabia’s announcement often influences several countries that align with its religious calendar, although others, including Nigeria, rely on local moon sightings before making independent declarations.
Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, requires Muslims to fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink and other physical needs while engaging in prayers and acts of charity.
The holy month is observed globally, with Saudi Arabia holding particular significance as host to Islam’s holiest sites in Mecca and Medina.
As anticipation builds, Muslims in Nigeria and beyond await final confirmations that will mark the end of the fasting period and the beginning of Eid celebrations.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
