Eid-el-Fitr: Sokoto Islamic Cleric Observes Eid Prayers With Followers On Tuesday
…Challenges scholars to public debate on the matter
A Sokoto-based Islamic cleric, Sheik Musa Lukuwa on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 led his followers to observe the Eid prayer at his Juma’at mosque at about 8:30 am.
In justifying his position, Sheik Lukuwa said the moon of Shawwal was sighted in neighbouring Niger Republic on Monday.
He therefore challenged any scholar with a contrary view to a public debate, stressing that the Sultan Abubakar has been trying to force Muslims to accept the moon sighting in Saudi Arabia which he believes is against the tradition of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
In the words of Sheik Lukuwa; “There were reports of sightings on 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 say.
“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,” he stressed.
The Sultan of Sokoto,who is the President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), had directed that Eid-el-Fitr should take place on Wednesday following the non-sighting of the Shawwal moon on Monday, and therefore directed that Ramadan should continue on Tuesday.
The Sultan while felicitating with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah, wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings just as he urged them to continue to pray for peace, progress, and development of the country.
The Sultan whose directive was contained in a statement the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council, Prof. Sambo Junaidu, also wished all Muslims a happy Eid-el-Fitr.
