Saudi Arabia and Sultan of Sokoto Officially Declare Friday as Eid-el-Fitr 2026
The holy month of Ramadan concludes today as both Saudi Arabian authorities and the Sultan of Sokoto have officially declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the day for the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr. This announcement follows the confirmation that the crescent moon, which signals the end of Ramadan, was not sighted in either region.
Saudi Arabia Sets the Precedent with Early Announcement
On Wednesday, the Saudi Arabian authorities made a pivotal announcement through the HaraminInfo handles across all social media platforms, stating that the crescent moon had not been sighted in the kingdom. Consequently, they declared that Eid-al-Fitr would be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026. This declaration by Saudi Arabia, a key leader in the Islamic world, established a significant precedent for many Muslim-majority nations, including Nigeria, where the official confirmation traditionally rests with the Sultan of Sokoto, the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims.
Nigerians Await and Receive Confirmation from the Sultan
In Nigeria, Muslims eagerly awaited the Sultan's announcement regarding the moon's sighting, which would determine the official date for Eid-el-Fitr celebrations across the country. The confirmation arrived on Wednesday night when His Eminence, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, announced that the Shawwal moon had not been sighted in Nigeria. He subsequently declared Friday as the day of Eid-el-Fitr, aligning with Saudi Arabia's decision.
A statement signed by Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs for the Sultanate Council in Sokoto, was issued on behalf of the Sultan. The statement explained that the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee, did not receive any reports from various Moon Sighting Committees across Nigeria regarding the sighting of the crescent moon.
It further clarified that Friday, March 20, 2026, would therefore be the 30th day of the month of Ramadan. According to the statement, "His Eminence, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has accepted the report and accordingly declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, the day of Eid-el-Fitr."
Sultan's Message of Felicitations and Prayers for Nigeria
Sultan Abubakar extended his felicitations to the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria, wishing them Allah's guidance and blessings as they prepare to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr festive. He emphasized the importance of continued prayers for the peace, progress, and development of the country, urging the Muslim community to reflect on the spiritual lessons of Ramadan during this joyous occasion.
Significance of Eid-el-Fitr in the Islamic Calendar
Eid-el-Fitr marks the culmination of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month dedicated to fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by millions of Muslims worldwide. This celebration not only signifies the end of a period of spiritual devotion but also fosters community bonding, charity, and gratitude among believers. The synchronized declarations by Saudi Arabia and the Sultan of Sokoto highlight the unity and shared traditions within the global Muslim community, ensuring a coordinated observance of this significant religious event.
