Religious

The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee, has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, marking the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr in Nigeria. In a statement issued on Wednesday night, the Chairman of the Committee and Wazirin Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, said no report confirming the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal was received from committees across the country on Wednesday, March 18, the 29th day of Ramadan. He stated that Thursday, March 19, would therefore be observed as the 30th day of the holy month of Ramadan. Read Also: NSE Kabuga Branch Supports Nasarawa Children’s Home, Plans Career Guidance Initiative Following the report, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, officially declared Friday as Eid-el-Fitr. The Sultan felicitated with the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria, offering prayers for Allah’s guidance and blessings. He urged Muslims to sustain prayers for peace, unity, and national development, adding, “May Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds.” He also wished all Muslims a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

The Sultanate Council of Sokoto has confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon marking the commencement of Ramadan 1447AH, declaring Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of fasting for Muslims across Nigeria. This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Council, announcing that the crescent was sighted on February 17, corresponding to the 29th day of Sha’aban 1447AH. His Eminence, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), confirmed that verified reports of the moon sighting were received from various parts of the country and duly authenticated. The Sultan, who was represented by the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi, stated that the Council accepted the reports in line with established Islamic and traditional procedures. Read Also: Ramadan Moon Sighted, Awaiting Sultan’s Formal Declaration “After due verification and authentication of the reports received from across the country, the Sultanate Council has accepted the sighting of the new moon. Consequently, Wednesday, 18th February 2026, marks the first day of Ramadan 1447AH,” the statement read. The Council further noted that the Shehu of Borno made the formal announcement on behalf of the Sultan due to his temporary absence, in line with long-standing tradition. The Sultan called on Muslims nationwide to dedicate the holy month to prayers, reflection, and acts of charity, while seeking divine intervention for peace, unity, and progress in the country. “Ramadan is a period of sacrifice, self-discipline and compassion. I urge all Muslims to use this sacred month to pray for the unity, stability and progress of our dear country, and for wisdom and guidance for our leaders,” he stated. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims through fasting from dawn to sunset, alongside increased devotion, charity, and communal activities. Religious leaders across the country have begun mobilising faithful for Taraweeh prayers and humanitarian outreach programmes, reflecting the spiritual significance and communal values associated with the holy month.

Former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has said that his resignation from office was based purely on personal reasons. Usman made this known in a statement personally signed and issued in Abuja on Tuesday, following his decision to step down with effect from Monday, February 9, 2026. According to him, the decision was taken after deep reflection, prayerful consideration, and consultation with his family, stressing that it was made in good conscience and with utmost respect for the responsibilities of public service. “It is with deep reflection and gratitude to Allah that I announce my resignation from the office of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON,” he said. “I wish to state unequivocally that this decision is taken entirely for personal reasons.” Read Also: Nigeria Must Integrate Innovation, Policy, and Research for Growth — Bindir Pantami, Bugaje Call for Skills Reform, Energy Solutions at BUK Engineering Conference 300-Year-Old Kano Farming Settlement Faces Extinction Over Sand Mining He noted that his resignation was in line with Section 3(6) of the NAHCON (Establishment) Act, 2006, adding that he had formally submitted his resignation in writing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Usman expressed appreciation to the President for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment, describing the opportunity to serve as a privilege he would always cherish. He also acknowledged the support of Vice President Kashim Shettima, the NAHCON Board members, management, and staff of the Commission, praising their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to service. The former chairman further extended gratitude to State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies, tour operators, aviation and service providers, as well as Nigerian counterparts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for their collaboration in improving Nigeria’s Hajj operations. Usman emphasised that his decision to resign was not influenced by dissatisfaction with the Commission, the Federal Government, or the mandate of NAHCON. “As I step aside, my prayers are with you all. I ask Allah (SWT) to guide and bless the President and the new leadership of NAHCON, and to grant all future pilgrims a Hajj Mabrur,” he added. (NAN)

The Sultanate Council has directed Muslims across Nigeria to begin the sighting of the new moon of Sha’aban 1447 AH on Monday, January 19, 2026, ahead of the 2026 Ramadan season. The directive was contained in a statement signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Prof. Sambo Junaidu, and made available to journalists on Sunday. According to the statement, Monday corresponds with the 29th day of Rajab 1447 AH, which makes it the appropriate date for observing the crescent moon that will signal the commencement of the Islamic month of Sha’aban. “The Advisory Committee wishes to inform the Muslim Ummah that the search for the new moon of Sha’aban 1447 AH should commence on Monday, January 19, 2026,” the statement said. Read Also: Islamic Month of Rajab Holds Spiritual Significance but No Exclusive Worship, Says Kano Cleric It explained that the exercise aligns with Islamic tradition and lunar calendar requirements. Muslims across the country were urged to actively participate in the moon sighting and promptly report any credible sightings to the nearest District or Village Head for onward transmission to His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA). The committee described the exercise as a religious obligation that requires sincerity and diligence, while also praying for divine guidance and a successful sighting. “May Allah guide us and grant us success in fulfilling this important religious duty,” the statement added.