A topmost Islamic cleric based in Sokoto state, Sheikh Musa Lukwa, on Tuesday, defied the directive of the Sultan-led National Council of Islamic Affairs on the non-sighting of the Shawwal moon by leading members of his group during Eid prayer.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Muhammad Abubakar, declared Wednesday as Sallah day on Monday evening because the new crescent of Shawwal was not sighted anywhere in the country.
However, a few minutes after the Sultan’s declaration, Lukwa told his members, who converged on his mosques in the Mabera area, that they would observe their Eid prayer on Tuesday because the new moon was sighted in the Niger Republic.
“There were reports of sightings of the new crescent in many places, including here in Nigeria, but the one that we were sure of was that of the Niger Republic.
“We have a verified video clip of their council of Ullamah authenticating the report before the country declared Tuesday Sallah day.
“So it is now binding on us to observe Eid on Tuesday because this is what the teachings of the Holy Prophet say.
“If we can accept that of Saudi Arabia, why can’t we agree with that of the Niger Republic, which is closer to us?
“I am not saying all Nigerian Muslims must observe their Eid prayer on Tuesday, but we have no reason whatsoever not to observe our prayer on Tuesday.
“And remember, there is no fasting on Sallah day; it is prohibited,” he said.
The cleric, however, led his followers to observe their Eid prayer around 8:30 on Tuesday.
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