By Uzair Adam
A Sokoto-based cleric, Sheikh Musa Lukuwa, on Thursday led Eid al-Fitr prayers in his community, diverging from the officially announced date by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.
The Daily Reality recalled that the Sultan had declared that the Shawwal moon was not sighted anywhere in Nigeria, directing Muslims to continue fasting and observe Eid on Friday.
Contrary to this position, Lukuwa gathered his followers at his Mabera mosque, where he conducted the Eid prayer in the morning.
Explaining his stance, the cleric said his decision was based on credible reports indicating that the crescent moon had been sighted in neighbouring Niger Republic.
According to him, confirmations from contacts across the border provided sufficient grounds to mark the end of Ramadan.
He noted that proximity should play a role in validating such reports, arguing that it would be inconsistent to accept moon sightings from distant Nigerian cities while dismissing those from a nearby country.
Lukuwa clarified that his action should not be interpreted as a rejection of the Sultan’s authority, emphasizing that he generally aligns with official directives.
However, he maintained that religious obligations require adherence to verified moon sightings, even when they conflict with central announcements.
He also alluded to earlier traditions in Nigeria, when prominent scholars like the late Abubakar Mahmoud Gummi were actively involved in moon sighting declarations before the process became unified under the Sultanate.
Residents familiar with the situation said the cleric had alerted his followers late Wednesday night about the reported sighting, instructing them to prepare for Eid prayers the next day.
This is not the first time Lukuwa has taken a different position on the timing of Eid, reflecting ongoing differences in interpretation regarding moon sighting within parts of the Muslim community.
