Breaking: Sultan of Sokoto Sends Important Message to Nigerian Muslims Ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2026
- Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, announces moon sighting for Shawwal 1447AH on Wednesday, March 18, 2026
- The Islamic leader urges Muslims to report moon sightings to local District or Village Heads ahead of the 2026 Eid al-Fitr
- The Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, shared more details about the moon sighting
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
Sokoto State - His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, has urged Muslims to look for the new moon of Shawwal 1447AH on Wednesday, 18th March, 2026.
Legit.ng reports that authorities in Saudi Arabia announced the official Eid Al Fitr holiday for workers in the private and non-profit sectors.
The break will begin at the end of the working day on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The celebration period will last for four days in line with provisions contained in the Saudi Labour Law.
The Sultan said the sighting of the moon should be reported to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication.
Wednesday is the 29th day of Ramadan 1447AH and is set aside for the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal.
This was contained in a statement issued by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu Wazirin Sokoto, the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.
The statement, which was shared via the Sultanate Council Sokoto Public Relations Unit Facebook, reads:
"This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Wednesday, 18th March, 2026, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Ramadan 1447AH, shall be the day to look for the new moon of Shawwal 1447AH.
Muslims are therefore requested to start looking for the new moon of Sha'aban 1447AH on Wednesday and report its sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto.
"May Allah (SWT) help us in the discharge of this religious duty, amen.
Saudi Arabia sends message ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2026
Recall that the Saudi Supreme Court announced the call for the Shawwal crescent sighting on March 18, 2026, corresponding to 29 Ramadan 1447 AH.
Authorities said the outcome of the moon sighting determined the official date for Eid al-Fitr across the kingdom.
Residents and accredited committees were urged to submit verified sightings through approved judicial channels.
Read more stories on 2026 Eid-el-Fitr:
- When is Eid-al-Fitr 2026? Prominent Nigerian Cleric Speaks in Trending Video
- Eid-al-Fitr 2026: Top National Moonsighting Committee Member Releases Message on Shawwal Crescent
- Eid Al-Fitr 2026: Full List of 7 Things Not Allowed While Celebrating
Eid-el-Fitr: Governors approved early salaries
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that no fewer than five state governors approved early March salary payments for civil servants ahead of Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
The governors of Zamfara, Sokoto, Kano, Kogi, and Kebbi states lead in supporting workers for the festive period.
According to the governors, the early payments aim to help workers adequately prepare for the upcoming Eid festivities.
Source: Legit.ng
