Muslims across Nigeria will celebrate Eid-el-Fitr on Sunday, following the official announcement by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, that the Shawwal 1446 AH crescent moon has been sighted.

The Sultan, who also holds the position of President General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), confirmed the sighting, bringing an end to the holy month of Ramadan.

This announcement followed earlier reports of the crescent being sighted in Saudi Arabia, which had already declared Eid.

The time difference between the regions led to Nigeria’s confirmation coming later.

Prior to the Sultan’s official declaration, some media outlets had prematurely reported the sighting. However, these reports were quickly retracted by the Sultanate Council, which emphasised the need for accurate and confirmed information.

The process of determining the start of the Islamic calendar months relies on the sighting of the new moon. Therefore, the official verification by the Sultan is crucial for Muslims in Nigeria.

Now that the sighting has been confirmed, Muslim communities across the country are preparing for Eid celebrations.

Local mosques and Islamic organisations are expected to release further details regarding Eid prayer times and community events