Saudi Arabia announced on Monday that the crescent of Shawwal had not been sighted, signaling that fasting would continue on Tuesday. The country declared Eid-El-Fitr to be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10, marking the commencement of the new Islamic month.
The official announcement was disseminated via Haramin’s Facebook page, a recognized platform for the global Muslim community. It expressed hope for utilizing the remaining days of Ramadan for actions pleasing to Allah, with prayers for acceptance of fasting, prayers, and good deeds, as well as blessings for continued health and the opportunity to witness future Ramadans. Meanwhile, Nigerian Muslims were advised to await the declaration of the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Sa’ad Abubakar, expected later in the day.
The Sultan had previously urged Muslims nationwide to be vigilant in observing the new moon signaling the beginning of Shawwal 1445 AH. The statement from the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council in Sokoto, Sambo Wali, urged individuals to report any sightings promptly to the appropriate authorities for communication to His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, the Sultan of Sokoto.