Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has declared Friday, April 21, as the first day of Shawwal, 1444 AH in Nigeria. This announcement marks the end of Ramadan fasting by the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria.
The Sultan made the declaration in a broadcast from Sokoto on Thursday, stating that reports of the sighting of the crescent of Shawwal 1444 AH were received from states and various organizations across the country. According to the Islamic calendar, Shawwal is the 10th month that follows the month of Ramadan.
In his broadcast, the Sultan expressed gratitude to the Almighty Allah for the blessings in the country and called for prayers for the elected leaders to have wisdom in leading the country on the right path. He also urged all Muslims to continue to pray for peace and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria, and to sustain the positive habits and behaviors exhibited during the month-long period of Ramadan.
The declaration of the first day of Shawwal also marks the day for Eid-el-Fitr, which is a significant celebration for Muslims after the compulsory fasting of Ramadan. The Sultan called on all Muslims in Nigeria to come together and celebrate Sallah, while also offering prayers for the leaders of the country.
The end of Ramadan and the declaration of Eid-el-Fitr is a time of joy and festivities for the Muslim community in Nigeria, as they come together to celebrate the end of the holy month of fasting. Muslims in Nigeria, like in many other countries, observe Ramadan as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and acts of charity. The sighting of the new moon of Shawwal marks the end of this period and the beginning of the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the declaration by the Sultan of Sokoto is widely respected and followed by the Muslim community in Nigeria, as he is considered a prominent religious leader in the country. The announcement of the first day of Shawwal and the start of Eid-el-Fitr brings excitement and joy to Muslims across Nigeria, as they come together to celebrate and offer prayers for peace, unity, and prosperity in the country.