Sultan declares Friday Eid-el-Fitr Day
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa ’ ad Abubakar III, has declared Friday June 15, 2018, as the day to mark the Eid- el-Fitr, and the end of Ramadan fast.
The Sultan announced the sighting of the new moon of the month Shawwal in a broadcast in Sokoto on Thursday.
The Islamic month of Shawwal comes after the 29 or 30 days of the month of Ramadan when Muslims across the world observe a month- long fasting.
Abubakar said the new moon was sighted in parts of Kaduna , Katsina, Kano, Borno, Jigawa , Nassarawa, Plateau and Sokoto States among others .
He said , “ In accordance with Islamic law , we have the honour and pleasure to announce that today , Thursday, the 29th day of Ramadan , 1439 AH , which is equivalent to June 14, 2018, has marked the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the new month of Shawwal .
“ Reliable reports of moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and religious organisations across the country, which were duly verified and authenticated by us , states and the National Moon Sighting Committee.
“ Consequent upon this , tomorrow, Friday, the 15th day of June , 2018 becomes the first day of Shawwal , 1439 AH and is therefore declared the Sallah day for 2018 Eid- el- Fitr. ”
The Sultan urged the Muslim Ummah to sustain fervent prayers for the nation led by President Muhammadu Buhari , other leaders , as well as for sustainable peace and unity in Nigeria and beyond.
The Sultan also urged Nigerians to continue to live in peace irrespective of religious , ethnic and cultural differences .
NAN