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Sokoto Cleric Leads Eid-el-Fitr Prayers Despite Contrary Announcement By Sultan, Other Scholars
In what could be described as a bold and daring move, a Sokoto-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Musa Lukwa, led his followers in observing the Eid prayer on Tuesday.
Nation Post understands that the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, had declared Wednesday as the official day for Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the 2024 Ramadan fast.
The council stated that the crescent moon was not sighted on Monday, a view shared by Saudi Arabian authorities.
However, Lukwa, who has consistently disregarded the Sultan’s instructions regarding moon sighting, conducted prayers at his Juma’at mosque at 8:30 am.
Lukwa justified his actions by claiming that the Shawwal moon was sighted in the neighbouring Niger Republic on Monday.
“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.
“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 say.
“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 our neighbours sighted the new moon. And remember, there is no fasting on Sallah day; it is prohibited,” Daily Trust quoted the cleric as declaring.
Lukwa has been disobeying the orders of the Sultan, alleging that the ruler is compelling Muslims to follow the moon sighting in Saudi Arabia, a practice he deems to be contrary to the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
In response, the cleric has issued a challenge to any scholar who holds a different opinion to engage in a public debate.
