Sokoto Cleric Defies Sultan’s Directive, Leads Eid-il-fitr Prayers

A Sokoto Muslim cleric, Sheikh Musa Lukwa, on Tuesday, April 9, led his followers to observe Eid prayer, as against the directive from the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, who had on Monday, declared Wednesday, as the day of Eid-el-Fitr.

The Sultan who presides as the President-General Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) had based his decision on a report of National Moon Sighting Committees across the country, which confirmed the non-sighting of the new moon.

Lukwa on why he conducted prayers at his Juma’at mosque on Tuesday said, “There were reports of sightings of the new crescent in many places, including here in Nigeria, but the one that we were sure of is that of Niger Republic.

“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 neighbours. And remember, there is no fasting on Sallah day. It is prohibited.”