Despite the absence of a sighting of the crescent moon, Sheikh Musa Lukwa, a Sokoto-based cleric, defied the declaration made by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and led his followers in observing Eid prayer on Tuesday.
The NSCIA, led by Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, had initially declared Wednesday, April 10, as the first day of Shawwal and Eid day, marking the end of Ramadan.
Citing the non-sighting of the crescent moon on Monday, which was in line with the stance of Saudi Arabian authorities, the NSCIA made the decision.
However, Sheikh Musa Lukwa, known for disregarding the Sultan’s directives on moon sighting, conducted prayers at his Juma’at mosque around 8:30 am on Tuesday, April 9.
“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,” he declared.
“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 neighbors. And remember there is no fasting on Sallah day, it is prohibited,” he said.
