The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced that the new moon of Shawwal 1446 AH has been sighted in Nigeria. As a result, Sunday, March 30, 2025, will be the 1st of Shawwal 1446 AH, marking the day for the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
In a statement, the Sultan congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast, urging them to sustain the virtues of patience, piety, and charity beyond the holy month.
Initially, there was uncertainty about the sighting of the moon, with the Sultan declaring that fasting may continue on Sunday if the moon was not sighted. However, with the confirmation of the moon sighting, Sunday has been officially declared as Eid-el-Fitr.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar have also announced that Sunday would be the first day of Eid al-Fitr. However, Oman and Shiite-majority Iran have declared that Eid al-Fitr would start on Monday.
The timing of Eid al-Fitr is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon following the Muslim lunar calendar. During Ramadan, observant Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk and traditionally gather with family and friends to break their fast in the evening.
