Eid-el-Fitr: Sultan tells Muslims Umma to seek out for new moon

Muhammad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, has asked Muslims Umma across the country to seek out for the new moon marking the beginning of Shawwal 1445 AH on Monday.

In a statement on Sunday, by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council in Sokoto, Sambo Wali, pleaded with individuals who spot the new moon to promptly inform the relevant authorities.

“Muslims are therefore requested to start looking for the new moon of Shawwal 1445AH on Monday and report its sighting to the nearest district or village head for onward communication to His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, , the Sultan of Sokoto,” the statement reads.

If the moon is sighted on Monday, it marks the conclusion of the month-long Ramadan fast observed by the Muslim community in the country.

However, if the crescent is not sighted that day, then Wednesday, April 10, 2024, automatically becomes the day of ‘Idul Fitr.

Recall the Federal Government had earlier declared Tuesday and Wednesday, April 9 and 10, 2024, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known in a statement on Sunday by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Aishetu Ndayako.

The minister extended his congratulation to all Muslims for the successfully completion of the fasting in the sacred month of Ramadan.