By Uzair Adam Imam
Sheikh Musa Lukwa, a prominent cleric based in Sokoto, made headlines on Tuesday as he led his followers in observing the Eid prayer.
This move came in defiance of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, which had declared Wednesday as the official Eid day, marking the end of the 2024 Ramadan fast.
Contrary to the NSCIA’s announcement, Sheikh Lukwa insisted that the crescent moon signaling the beginning of Shawwal, and hence Eid, was sighted in neighbouring Niger Republic on Monday.
He justified his decision to hold the Eid prayer on Tuesday by citing reports and a verified video clip from Niger Republic’s council of Ulamah authenticating the moon sighting.
According to Lukwa, adhering to the teachings of the Holy Prophet necessitated following the declaration made in Niger Republic.
Despite the NSCIA’s assertion and the earlier stance of Saudi Arabia authorities, Lukwa remained steadfast in his belief, leading prayers at his Juma’at mosque around 8:30 am.
This event underscores the ongoing debate and differing perspectives within the Muslim community regarding moon sightings and the determination of Islamic holidays.
He was qouted to have said, “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,” the imam stated.
Lukwa has been defying Sultan directives, accusing the monarch of forcing Muslims to accept the moon sighting of Saudi Arabia which he believes is against the tradition of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The cleric however, challenged any scholar with a contrary view to a public debate.