The Sultanate Council of Sokoto has officially declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, marking the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr. The announcement follows the non-sighting of the crescent moon on Wednesday, March 18, the 29th day of Ramadan.
In a statement issued by the Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee, it was confirmed that no credible reports of the Shawwal crescent were received across Nigeria. As a result, Thursday, March 19, 2026, is designated as the 30th day of Ramadan.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, approved the declaration, congratulating Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan. He urged the Ummah to continue praying for national peace, unity, and development.
The Islamic calendar relies on lunar observations, and when the crescent is not sighted on the 29th day of Ramadan, the month is completed as 30 days, with Eid observed the following day.
The announcement was signed by Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.
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