Saudi Arabia declared on Monday that the Shawwal crescent had not been sighted, indicating that fasting would extend into Tuesday.
The country also announced that Eid-El-Fitr, marking the start of the new Islamic month, would be observed on Wednesday, April 10.
This announcement was made via Haramin’s official Facebook page, a recognized platform for the global Muslim community.
The post read, “The crescent moon was not sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Wednesday, 10th April 2024. May Allāh allow us to utilize the remaining moments of this blessed month to engage in that which pleases Him, may He accept our siyām, qiyām & a’māl & may He allow us to witness many more Ramadāns in good health. Āmīn.”
In Nigeria, Muslims are anticipated to await the announcement from the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Sa’ad Abubakar, later in the day.
The Explainer has learned that the Sultan, on Sunday, urged Muslims across the nation to look out for the new moon, marking the beginning of Shawwal 1445 AH. Sambo Wali, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council in Sokoto, encouraged individuals who spot the new moon to promptly inform the relevant authorities.
The statement reads, “Muslims are therefore requested to start looking for the new moon of Shawwal 1445AH on Monday and report its sighting to the nearest district or village head for onward communication to His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, the Sultan of Sokoto.”
