The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar on Friday declared Sunday as Eid-il-Fitr day.

The declaration followed the no report of moon sighting in the country.

The ongoing Ramadan ends Saturday, marking the end of 30-day fasting.

A statement by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Prof Sambo Wali Junaidu, said the council did not receive any report from various Moon Sighting Committees across the country confirming the sighting of the moon of Shawwal.

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NSCIA Secretary-General Prof Ishaq Oloyede confirmed to The Nation that the moon was not sighted.

Oloyede said, “fasting continues tomorrow (today).”

The Sultan, Prof Junaidu said, had accepted the report of the committee and accordingly declared Sunday, May 24 as the first day of Shawwal (Day of Eid-il-Fitr).

“The Sultan felicitates with the Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings. The Sultan while urging the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress, and development of the country,” he said.

The Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla advised Muslims to abide by the Sultan’s directive.

This, he said, would ensure national unity.

He urged Muslims to observe the Sunday Eid prayers at home.

Sheikh Abou-Nolla “This year’s Eid-il-Fitr is an unusual one coming at a time when the world is battling a global pandemic – the COVID-19 with its prevalence significantly impacting on every sphere of our lives particularly on social interaction. Recognising the need for our collective survival, in consonance with the Islamic principles that place high premium value on human lives, all Muslims should maintain a high level of personal hygiene such as regular hand washing, sanitising, practising social distancing and staying in our current locations to minimise the spread of the virus.

“We enjoin Muslims to observe Eid prayers at home, as this exceptional circumstance demands, and as have been advised by Muslim scholars all over the world.”

The Chancellor/Proprietor Gregory University, Prof. Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe has congratulated the Muslim faithful on the completion of the Ramadan fast, saying it has availed the country opportunity to reflect on the blessings of God even in this trying period of COVID-19 across the world.

Prof. Ibe in a statement he personally signed urged Muslims in Nigeria and Abia, in particular, to continually abide by peace, one of the tenets of the faith even as they carry on their daily activities.

The educationist also prayed Allah to guide Muslim faithful in their life journey in the state and nation at large.

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“In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, that time of the year is now upon us when we must engage in the festival of breaking the fast. Indeed, this year’s Ramadan has offered us all the opportunity to duly reflect on the blessings of God even in this trying period the world has found itself due to the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The world as we know it has changed and of course due to no fault of ours. Even so, my brothers and sisters, we must continue to make supplications to God for His abundant blessings upon us all while looking out for each other and ensuring we maintain unity and peaceful coexistence. As we celebrate this year’s Eid-al-Fitr, we must maintain caution and sustain our practice of all health protocols in mitigating the adverse effects of the global pandemic.

“I enjoin all Muslim Ummah here in Abia State and in our country Nigeria to continuously uphold the tenets of Islam (Peace) even as we carry on with our lives within the allowed dictates of our leaders. May Allah (SWT) always guide you as you journey through life and may you have the courage to work to achieve peace and progress here in Abia State and our nation, Nigeria.

“It is my hope and my truest desire that you enjoy every moment of the sallah celebrations even as we beseech God to accept our fasts and prayers. Furthermore, may the blessings of Allah (SWT) create more happiness and enlightenment while leading you to the path of peace and success.

“Ramadan Kareem to all Muslim Faithful, here In Abia State and around our country, Nigeria and may the blessings of Allah (SWT) remain with you as we celebrate the Eid-Al-Fitri and beyond” he prays.