Sokoto, Nigeria – A Sokoto-based Islamic scholar, Musa Lukuwa, has led Eid-el-Fitr prayers ahead of the officially declared date, defying the directive of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who announced Friday as the nationwide Sallah day.
Okay News reports that the cleric conducted the Eid prayer at his mosque in Mabera on Thursday morning, following claims that the Shawwal crescent moon had been sighted in neighbouring Niger Republic. He argued that proximity to the reported sighting made it valid for his followers to commence celebrations.
Lukuwa maintained that his decision was guided by religious principles rather than a rejection of the Sultan’s authority, stressing that verified moon sightings should take precedence. He also referenced historical practices where moon sightings were independently confirmed before being centralised for unity.
The development has once again highlighted divisions over moon sighting practices in parts of northern Nigeria, as religious authorities continue to emphasise the importance of unity in observing Islamic rites.
