A Sokoto-based cleric, Sheikh Musa Lukwa, on Tuesday led his followers to observe Eid prayers despite the directive by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
The Monarch who doubles as the President of the National Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) informed Nigerians, yesterday, in a late night announcement, that Eid-el-Fitr would hold on Wednesday due to their inability to sight the crescent of the new Islamic month.
However, Sheikh Lukwa, who has over the years disobeyed the Sultan’s directive on moon sighting, led prayers at his Juma’at mosque on Tuesday morning.
He claimed that the moon of Shawwal was sighted in neighbouring Niger Republic on Monday night.
“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 prayers 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.
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