Sultan of Sokoto directs Muslims to sight Shawwal moon for Eid-el-Fitr

The Sultan of Sojoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on Muslims across Nigeria to begin the search for the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH, a key step in determining the end of Ramadan and the commencement of the Eid al-Fitr celebration.

The directive, issued on Tuesday in Sokoto, was communicated through a statement signed by Sambo Junaidu, chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council.

According to the statement, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan 1447 AH, has been designated as the official day for sighting the new crescent. The announcement aligns with Islamic tradition, which relies on lunar observation to determine the end of the fasting period.

Muslims who sight the crescent moon have been urged to report their observations to the nearest district or village head, who will in turn communicate verified sightings to the Sultan’s office for confirmation. The Sultanate Council also provided designated phone lines through which credible reports can be submitted directly.

The sighting of the Shawwal moon will formally mark the conclusion of Ramadan, a month characterised by fasting, prayer, and charitable acts, and signal the beginning of Eid-el-Fitr festivities observed by Muslims worldwide.

Moon sighting tradition and religious significance

The call for moon sighting underscores the central role of lunar observation in Islamic religious practice. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar cycle, the Islamic calendar follows a lunar system, making the appearance of the crescent moon essential in marking key religious periods.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on the visibility of the moon. As such, the end of the fasting period cannot be fixed in advance but is determined through verified sightings.

In Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto serves as the spiritual leader of Muslims and is responsible for officially announcing the commencement and conclusion of Ramadan, as well as major Islamic celebrations such as Eid-el-Fitr and Eid-el-Kabir.

The process typically involves reports from various parts of the country, which are carefully reviewed and authenticated before a final announcement is made. This ensures uniformity in observance and prevents discrepancies across different regions.

The emphasis on reporting sightings through designated channels reflects efforts to maintain accuracy and credibility in the process, particularly in an era where misinformation can spread quickly through informal platforms.

Anticipation builds for Eid-el-Fitr celebrations

As the holy month draws to a close, anticipation is building among Muslims in Nigeria and around the world for the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, which marks the end of fasting and the beginning of a period of festivity and thanksgiving.

Eid-el-Fitr is traditionally observed with communal prayers, acts of charity, and social gatherings, as families and communities come together to celebrate the completion of Ramadan. It is also a time for reflection, gratitude, and the strengthening of social bonds.

In many parts of Nigeria, preparations for the festival often begin in the final days of Ramadan, with increased market activity, travel, and religious observances. However, the exact date of the celebration remains dependent on the official confirmation of the moon sighting.

The Sultan’s directive, therefore, serves as both a religious call to action and a practical step in coordinating nationwide observance of the festival. Once the crescent is sighted and confirmed, an official announcement will be made, signalling the end of fasting and the start of Eid celebrations.

Until then, Muslims are expected to continue observing the fast while remaining attentive to updates from religious authorities. The eventual declaration will not only mark a significant moment in the Islamic calendar but also bring communities together in celebration after a month of spiritual devotion.

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