29 or 30? Mudir Markaz Announces Eid al-Fitr Date in Nigeria
- Ramadan 2026 is rounding up, and Muslims across the world are gearing up for the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month
- As Ramadan approached its end, the day for the celebration of Eid al-Fitr has been contested as several countries announced the move for the sighting of the moon
- However, Mudir Markaz Sheikh Habibullah Adam has announced the length of the 2026 Ramadan and when the celebration of the Eid al-Fitr will be held in Nigeria
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Mudir Markaz Sheikh Habibullah Adam has said that Ramadan 2026 will be 30 days and that the Eid al-Fitr celebration will be held on Friday, March 20.
The Islamic scholar made the announcement at the institution's Lailatul Qadr programme, which was held on Sunday night/Monday morning, March 15 and 16.
Source: Twitter
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and it is considered the holiest month.
Ramadan is celebrated in different ways in different parts of the world, marking the special moment of Iftar (the opening of one's fast) with gatherings, household decorations and traditional foods to celebrate its arrival.
According to tradition, fasting begins at dawn, before which a modest meal known as 'suhoor' will be taken and ends at sunset, referred to as 'Iftar'.
Between the two meals, Muslims taking part in the fasting period will take in nothing, not even water.
Ramadan fasting is compulsory for all Muslims across the world, and is a moment when believers exercise holiness and refrain from doing ungodly things.
Reactions as Sheikh Habib announces Eid al-Fitr day
The video of the moment, which was shared on the Markaz Facebook page, has started generating reactions from Nigerians. Below are some of their comments:
Abiola Sanni quoted a hadith of the Prophet:
"Fast when you see it (the new moon) and break your fast when you see it (the new moon). If the sky is cloudy for you, then complete the month as thirty days." [Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim]
Source: Getty Images
Ajiboye Thomas congratulated the Muslims in advance:
"Good, our own Baba Islam, Happy Eid Day celebration in advance."
Proff Abdullahi provided more explanation on the moon sighting:
Why is Eid Day on Friday?
Eid al-Fitr is expected to fall on Friday, March 20, 2026, but the exact date might vary depending on the sighting of the crescent moon marking the start of Shawwal, the Islamic month that follows Ramadan. The Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles, which are about 10-11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. This discrepancy causes Ramadan and Eid to shift earlier each year.
Determining Eid's Date
The new crescent moon's sighting confirms the start of Shawwal and Eid al-Fitr. Moon sighting can be confirmed through local committees, mosque announcements, or astronomical calculations. Different countries might announce Eid on slightly different days based on regional sightings.
Oke Moses Adewale commended the cleric:
"Proud of you, Baba lagege."
You can see the video on Facebook here:
Source: Legit.ng
