Defiance In Sokoto As Sheikh Leads Eid Prayer On Tuesday Gives Reason

Sheikh Musa Lukwa, a Muslim cleric in Sokoto, defied the directive from the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, by leading his followers in Eid prayer on Tuesday. This action went against the Sultan’s declaration on Monday, announcing Wednesday as the day of Eid-el-Fitr.

The Sultan, who also serves as the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), based his decision on reports from National Moon Sighting Committees across the country. These committees confirmed the non-sighting of the new moon.

Prof Sambo Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council, relayed this information in a statement to the press in Sokoto on Monday evening. The council accepted the report and officially declared Wednesday, April 10, 2024, as the first day of Shawwal 1445AH.

Lukwa on why he conducted prayers at his Juma’at mosque on Tuesday said, “There were reports of sightings of the new crescent in many places, including here in Nigeria, but the one that we were sure of is that of Niger Republic.

“We have a verified video clip of their council of Ulamah authenticating the report after which the country declared Tuesday as Sallah day. So it is now binding on us to observe Eid on Tuesday because this is what the teachings of the Holy Prophet says.

“If we can accept that of Saudi Arabia, why can’t we agree with that of Niger Republic, which is nearer to us.

“I am not saying all Nigerian Muslims must observe their Eid prayer on Tuesday, but we have no moral justification not to observe our prayer on Tuesday because the new moon was sighted by our neighbours. And remember, there is no fasting on Sallah day. It is prohibited.”

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