A Sokoto-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Musa Lukwa, today, April 8, led his followers to observe eid praye against the announcement by the President General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Muhammad III, that the crescent of the moon was not sighted yesterday evening.
Sheikh Lukwa, who is believed to, over the years disobeyed the Sultan’s directive on moon sighting, led prayers at his Juma’at mosque around 8:30 am on today, April 9.
The scholar insisted that the moon of Shawwal was sighted in neighbouring Niger Republic yesterday, April 8.
“There were reports of sightings on the new crescent in many places, including here in Nigeria, but the one that we were sure of is that of Niger Republic,” he declared.
“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.
