Some Muslims in Sokoto state have disregarded the directive of Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, who declared Monday as Eid-ul-Fitr.
The defiant muslims held Eid prayers on Sunday, citing the sighting of moon in some of northern parts of the country as reason.
Recall that on Saturday, the Sultan, who is the head of all Muslims in Nigeria, announced that the new moon of Shawwal, 1443AH, had not been sighted, hence there will be fasting on Sunday.
However, the Muslims, majority of whom are followers of Sheikh Musa Lukwa, observed the Eid around 8am on Sunday.
Sheikh Lukwa told Daily Trust that they had received credible report on the sighting of the new moon in some parts of Nigeria and beyond.
According to him, the moon was sighted in five states of Niger Republic, adding, “I saw the video clip of their President declaring Sunday as Sallah day.
“And the moon was sighted in Afghanistan, Mali and many African countries and they observe their Eid today.
“Even in Sokoto, the new crescent was sighted in a community called Fakku in Kebbe local government area by eight persons, including the Chief Imam of the community. And 50 persons confirmed sighting of the new moon at Wauru village in Gada local government area of the state.”
