A Sokoto-based cleric, Sheikh Musa Lukwa on Tuesday, observed Eid-el-Fitr prayer with his congregation.
Recall that Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, had declared Wednesday as the first of Shawwal and Eid day, commemorating the completion of the 2024 Ramadan fast.
The council said the crescent moon was not sighted on Monday, the same view earlier espoused by Saudi Arabia authorities.
However, in what appear to be disobedience to Sultan’s directive, Sheikh Luwa led prayers at his Juma’at mosque around 8:30am.
While justifying his action, Lukwa said the moon of Shawwal was sighted in neighboring Niger Republic on Monday
“There were reports of sightings on the new moon crescent in many places, including here in Nigeria, but the one that we were sure of is that of Niger Republic.”
“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.
Meanwhile, findings revealed that Sheikh Lukwa has been defying Sultan directives, accusing the monarch of forcing Muslims to accept the moon sighting of Saudi Arabia which he believes is against the tradition of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The cleric however, challenged any scholar with a contrary view to a public debate.