The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced that fasting may continue in Nigeria as the moon signaling the end of Ramadan has not been sighted.
This declaration implies that the Eid al-Fitr celebrations may be observed on Monday, March 31, 2025, should the crescent moon remain unseen by Saturday night.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Saturday by the NSCIA’s Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede.
The statement urged Muslims across Nigeria to continue their search for the crescent moon of Shawwal on the 29th day of Ramadan, as per Islamic tradition.
Official Statement from NSCIA
The statement read, “The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, felicitates the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and the entire Muslim world on the auspicious occasion of the 1446 A.H. Eid al-Fitr.
We beseech Allah to grant everyone the opportunity to witness many more of it in good health and divine guidance.”
The NSCIA also emphasized the importance of Zakatul Fitr, a mandatory charity given to the less privileged before the Eid prayer. The Council reminded Muslims that the charity should be distributed within the last two days of Ramadan but must be completed before the Eid prayer.
Furthermore, the statement noted, “Consequent upon the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), the President-General enjoins the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Shawwal 1446 A.H. immediately after sunset on Saturday, 29th Ramadan 1446 A.H., which is equivalent to 29th March 2025.”
Possible Eid Celebration Date
If the moon is sighted on Saturday evening, then Sunday, March 30, 2025, will be marked as the first day of Shawwal, and Eid al-Fitr prayers will be held.
However, if the crescent remains unseen, Muslims will complete 30 days of fasting, making Monday, March 31, 2025, the official date for Eid celebrations in Nigeria.
In line with Islamic traditions, the Sultan urged Muslims to remain patient and abide by the moon sighting regulations. He also called on believers to use the concluding days of Ramadan to intensify prayers for peace, security, and national development.
Moon Sighting Confirmation in Saudi Arabia
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s authorities confirmed on Saturday that the crescent moon had been sighted, making Sunday, March 30, 2025, the official day for Eid al-Fitr celebrations in the Kingdom. This was confirmed via a statement on Haramain’s official Facebook page, an authoritative platform for global Islamic affairs.
“The crescent moon for the month of Shawwal 1446 was sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, 2025,” the statement read.
Implications for Nigeria’s Muslim Community
The divergence in moon sighting between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria is not uncommon, as different regions experience variations due to geographical and atmospheric factors. While some Nigerian Muslim groups may choose to follow Saudi Arabia’s announcement, the official position of NSCIA remains that the local moon sighting must be confirmed before declaring the end of Ramadan.
The Sultan’s office has urged Muslims to await further directives, ensuring that the process aligns with Islamic jurisprudence and maintains unity within the Ummah. The NSCIA also called for continued prayers, especially given the challenges facing Nigeria, including insecurity, economic hardship, and political tensions.
Community Reactions and Expectations
Many Nigerian Muslims expressed mixed reactions to the news. While some were prepared to conclude their fasting and celebrate Eid on Sunday, others remained committed to following the Sultan’s official directive.
Religious leaders and scholars have urged worshippers to adhere to local moon sighting traditions and avoid unnecessary disputes.
“The moon sighting process is sacred, and we must respect the guidance of our Islamic leaders. Even if Saudi Arabia has declared Eid, we in Nigeria must wait for our confirmation,” said Sheikh AbdulRahman, an Islamic scholar in Kano.
Another Lagos-based cleric, Ustaz Ibrahim Bello, noted, “The essence of Eid is unity and gratitude. Whether we celebrate on Sunday or Monday, what matters is our devotion and sincerity.”
As Muslims across Nigeria continue their Ramadan observance, all eyes remain on the final moon sighting reports from local Islamic committees.
Whether Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on Sunday or Monday, the NSCIA has urged believers to maintain a spirit of patience, unity, and devotion to Allah’s guidance.
The Sultan of Sokoto is expected to make a final pronouncement after the moon sighting exercise on Saturday night. Until then, Nigerian Muslims will remain in anticipation, hoping for a peaceful and blessed conclusion to Ramadan 1446 A.H.
