By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Saudi Arabia has officially declared Friday as the day for the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, after authorities confirmed that the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on the expected date.
The announcement was made by the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia, which is responsible for moon sighting confirmations in the Kingdom. According to the statement, the inability to sight the crescent means Ramadan will complete 30 days, with Eid-el-Fitr scheduled for Friday.
The development has drawn attention across the Muslim world, including Nigeria, where millions of Muslims are now awaiting the official declaration from the Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, who serves as the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and is the recognised authority for Eid announcements in the country.
Nigerians in Saudi Arabia react
Meanwhile, The Merit Newspaper spoke with some Nigerians currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Ramadan Umrah exercise, many of whom expressed excitement as they prepare to mark Eid in Islam’s holiest land.
A Lagos-based pilgrim, AbdulRasheed Lawal, who is observing the last days of Ramadan in Mecca, described the spiritual experience as unforgettable.
“Observing Ramadan and preparing for Eid here in Mecca is a lifetime privilege. Whether Eid is Thursday or Friday, the important thing is the opportunity to complete Ramadan in this blessed environment,” he said.
Another Nigerian pilgrim, Hajara Bello from Kano, said the atmosphere in the Kingdom remains filled with devotion as Muslims intensify prayers in the final days of fasting.
“Many Nigerians here are spending more time in the Haram praying for Nigeria, their families, and peace across the world. The Eid announcement is important, but the spiritual fulfilment of Ramadan is what matters most,” she noted.
Awaiting Nigeria’s official position
In Nigeria, Islamic scholars say the Saudi declaration often serves as a reference point but does not automatically determine the date of Eid in the country, as local moon sighting reports are also considered.
An Islamic cleric in Ilorin, Sheikh Sulaiman AbdulAzeez, explained that Nigeria follows an independent but coordinated moon sighting process under the Sultanate Council.
“The Sultan will study verified reports from moon sighting committees across the country before making a formal announcement. Nigerian Muslims are therefore advised to await the official statement,” he said.
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Call for unity and peaceful celebration
Religious leaders have also urged Muslims to use the Eid period to promote unity, charity, and peaceful coexistence, especially in a period when Nigeria continues to face economic and social challenges.
They emphasized that Eid-el-Fitr is not only a celebration but also a reminder of the virtues of sacrifice, discipline, and compassion learned during Ramadan.
As anticipation builds, Nigerian Muslims are expected to await the official announcement from the Sultan of Sokoto, which will determine whether the country aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Friday celebration or observes Eid based on local moon sighting confirmations.
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Until then, the mood among the faithful remains one of hope, gratitude, and spiritual reflection as Ramadan draws to a close.
