Sultan Directs Muslims to Look out for New Moon ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr

Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, has asked Muslims across the country to look out for the new moon Shawwal 1446AH on Saturday, March 29, 2025, ahead Ahead of Eid-el-Fitr celebration,.

In a statement signed and made available to newsmen on Friday by the Waziri of Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, who also serves as the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs at the Sultanate Council, the sighting of the new moon will determine the end of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid el-Fitr.

According to the statement, “March 29 marks the 29th day of Ramadan 1446AH, making it the first possible day for moon sighting.

“The Sultan has urged anyone who sights the moon to report their observations through the designated phone numbers provided in the release.

The numbers listed for reporting moon sightings are: 08037157100, 08066303077, 08035965322, 08035945903 amd 07067146900.

Muslims are encouraged to participate in the moon sighting exercise as it plays a crucial role in determining the official date for Eid celebrations.

If the new moon is confirmed, it will signal the beginning of Shawwal and mark the end of the month-long Ramadan fast.

The statement said the Sultanate Council would announce the final decision on Eid based on verified moon sightings.

Meanwhile, the federal government has declared Monday and Tuesday as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

Magdalene Ajani, the permanent secretary in the ministry of interior, announced the holidays in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, asked all Muslims to “embrace the virtues of self-discipline, compassion, generosity and peace, emphasising the importance of love, forgiveness, and solidarity in building a harmonious society”.

The minister urged Nigerians to “pray for the nation’s peace, stability, and prosperity during this festive period”, adding that Eid-el-Fitr should inspire unity and cooperation.

“Dr. Tunji-Ojo also encouraged citizens to celebrate safely and responsibly, while remembering the less privileged through acts of kindness and charity, in keeping with the true spirit of Ramadan and Eid,” the statement reads.

“On behalf of the Federal Government, he extended heartfelt Eid Mubarak wishes to all Muslim faithful and prayed that the blessings of the season bring happiness, success, and fulfillment to everyone