Summary: Sultan of Sokoto declares Friday, March 20, 2026, as Eid-el-Fitr (Sallah) day in Nigeria after non-sighting of Shawwal crescent moon. Get full details of the announcement.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has officially announced Friday, March 20, 2026, as the day for this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration across Nigeria. The declaration follows the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
The Sultan, who doubles as the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), made the announcement through the Sultanate Council after careful monitoring and consultation with moon sighting committees across the country.
No Crescent Moon Sighted Across Nigeria
According to a statement released by Sambo Wali Junaidu on behalf of the Sultanate Council, no credible reports of the Shawwal 1447AH crescent moon were received from any part of Nigeria on Wednesday evening, despite nationwide efforts to sight it.
This means that Thursday, March 19, will mark the completion of the 30-day Ramadan fasting period, with Friday becoming the first day of Shawwal—the month that ushers in the joyous Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
A Call for Prayer and Unity
As Muslims across Nigeria prepare for the Sallah festivities, the Sultan has urged the faithful to use the occasion as an opportunity to offer special prayers for the peace, unity, and continued progress of the nation.
The call comes at a time when Nigeria faces various security and economic challenges, making the Sultan’s message particularly significant for millions of Nigerian Muslims who look to spiritual guidance during these trying times.
What This Means for Nigerians
Friday’s Sallah celebration will see Muslim faithful across the country—from Lagos to Kano, Sokoto to Maiduguri—gathering at prayer grounds and mosques for the special Eid prayers. Families will come together to share meals, exchange gifts, and celebrate the successful completion of the month-long fast.
The announcement also gives Nigerians time to finalize their Sallah preparations, including purchasing rams for sacrifice, new clothes, and food items for the festive period.
As always, the Sultan’s declaration is binding for Muslims nationwide, bringing unity to the celebration date across all states of the federation.
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