[BREAKING] Not Sunday: Mudir Markaz Announces Another Day for Eid-El-Fitr in Nigeria
The Mudir of Markaz, Sheikh Muhammed Habibullah Adam Abdullah El-Ilory, has officially declared that Muslims in Nigeria should observe Eid-el-Fitr on Monday, March 31, 2025.
This announcement comes as he seeks to clarify uncertainties regarding the exact day of the celebration.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Nurudeen Ibrahim, Sheikh El-Ilory via his official X page, emphasized that modern technology and scientific calculations provide reliable insights into the sighting of the new crescent, which determines the end of Ramadan.
Scientific basis for the date
The cleric explained that the Islamic tradition, following the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), mandates that fasting should commence and conclude with the sighting of the new crescent.
However, he pointed out that contemporary astronomical knowledge allows for accurate predictions of moon phases.
“With the help of modern technology, we can determine the probable time for the new moon’s appearance, just as we can predict sunrise, sunset, and eclipses,” Sheikh El-Ilory stated.
According to the astronomical data he referenced, the age of the new moon in Nigeria on Saturday, March 29, 2025, will be 6 hours and 59 minutes, making it practically impossible to sight with the naked eye.
Similarly, in Saudi Arabia, the moon’s age will be only 4 hours and 40 minutes, rendering its sighting unfeasible.
“The generation of an imaginary image using CCD machines is not in line with the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as evident in Islamic jurisprudence,” he added.
Call for unity and acceptance
Sheikh El-Ilory urged Muslims to adhere to both scientific evidence and Islamic teachings to avoid confusion regarding the day of Eid.
“Monday, March 31, 2025, will mark the 1st of Shawwal and the first day of Eid-el-Fitr, in accordance with both the tradition of the Holy Prophet and scientific findings,” he stated.
In his message of unity, he extended his best wishes to the Muslim leadership across the country, including His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto.
“May this Eid bring peace, blessings, and harmony to all Muslims in Nigeria,” he concluded.
Ramadan: Sultan of Sokoto calls for moon sighting
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Nigerian Muslims were told to look out for the new moon of Shawwal 1446AH on Saturday, March 29, to determine the end of Ramadan.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III, issued this directive on Friday, in a statement by the Waziri of Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu.
Ahead of the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, Sultan-led NSCIA urged Muslims to report new moon sighting to the nearest district or village head.
