Eid-el-Fitr: Sultan declares Friday as 1st of Shawwal, 1444 AH
BY TOSIN ADAMS
Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has declared today, Friday, April 21, as the first day of Shawwal, 1444 AH in Nigeria.
Abubakar, in a broadcast in Sokoto on Thursday said the reports for the sighting of the crescent of Shawwal 1444 AH were received from states and various organisations in the country.
“Today April 20, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Ramadan marked the end of Ramadan fasting by the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria.
“Therefore, Friday April 21, becomes the first day of Shawwal 1444 AH and the day for Eid-el-Fitr in the country.
“We thank the Almighty Allah for the blessings in our country and pray for our elected leaders to have the wisdom of leading the country to the right path,” he said.
The Sultan further charged all Muslims to continue to pray for peace and peaceful coexistence in the country.
He called on the Muslims to sustain the habits and behaviors exhibited during the month-long period of Ramadan and pray for leaders in the country.
Shawwal is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, which comes after the fasting month of Ramadan.
The sighting of the new moon signified the first day of Shawwal in which the Muslim Ummah celebrate Sallah and end the compulsory fasting of Ramadan.
Meanwhile, the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has implored Muslim faithfuls to use the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr to pray for the nation as it prepares toward a new political and democratic dispensation.
Uduak Inyang-Udoh, the Acting Rector of YABATECH, in his felicitation message to Muslim faithful made the appeal on Thursday in a statement on the occasion of 2023 Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Iyang-Udo, stated that Eid-el-Fitr, also known as the ‘festival of breaking the fast’, marked the end of a month-long period of dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan.
“On behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Staff and Students, I felicitate with staff, students, alumni, and friends of the College and the nation at large on this auspicious occasion of Eid-el-Fitr Celebration.
“I implore everyone to use the occasion of the celebration to imbibe the spirit of love, peace and sacrifice as exemplified by Prophet Mohammed.
“Also, to pray for the College and most importantly for our dear nation, Nigeria as we match towards a new political and democratic dispensation,” he added.
The Acting Rector also wished the Muslim faithful a very joyful celebration, adding, “I wish you all a very joyful celebration and may Allah fill our lives with happiness and open doors of success in our different endeavours”.
In the same vein, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has felicitated the Muslim faithfuls on the successful completion of Ramadan fast and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, conveyed the congratulatory message on behalf of FEC in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
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Mustapha urged Muslim faithfuls to reflect on the purpose and lessons of Ramadan, which include love, charity, endurance, tolerance and sacrifice.
The SGF charged the faithfuls to adhere to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for spiritual rejuvenation and sustainable national growth and development.
He, however, enjoined Nigerians to continue to pray for a successful transition programme, adding, ”everything has been put in place for a peaceful and orderly transition on May 29.
“The Federal Executive Council wishes the Muslim faithfuls a joyful Eid-el-Fitr filled with blessings.”
