Sokoto Cleric Defies Sultan, Leads Early Eid Prayers Over Cross-Border Moon Sighting Claims
A fresh wave of religious debate has emerged in Northern Nigeria after a Sokoto-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Musa Lukuwa, led his followers in observing Eid al-Fitr prayers on Thursday March 19, contrary to the official directive issued by the Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, who had declared Friday March 20, as the Nationwide celebration.
Global Mirror News gathered that the Sultan, who also serves as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, announced that the Crescent moon marking the end of Ramadan was not sighted anywhere in Nigeria, thereby extending the fasting period by an additional day.
However, Sheikh Lukuwa proceeded with Eid prayers at his Mabera mosque in Sokoto at approximately 9:10 a.m., citing what he described as credible moon sightings from neighbouring Niger Republic.
In a message circulated online, the cleric defended his stance, arguing that geographical proximity should validate such reports. He noted that Niger Republic, located close to Sokoto, provides a more immediate reference point than distant Nigerian cities often relied upon for moon sighting confirmations.
Lukuwa emphasized that his action was rooted in religious conviction rather than defiance of authority.
According to him, while he traditionally aligns with the Sultan’s directives on the commencement and conclusion of Ramadan, adherence to verified moon sightings—wherever they occur—remains paramount in Islamic practice.
Providing historical context, the cleric referenced the era of prominent Islamic scholar Abubakar Mahmoud Gummi, when individual clerics independently declared moon sightings before the process was centralized under the Sultan to foster unity among Muslims.
Despite acknowledging the Sultan’s leadership, Lukuwa maintained that the official decision in this instance did not reflect the reality of confirmed sightings, prompting his divergence.
Global Mirror News reports that such اختلاف (differences) in moon sighting interpretations are not new within Islamic jurisprudence. Variations often arise, particularly when sightings are reported across national borders, leading to occasional differences in Eid observances among Muslim communities.
The Sultan’s declaration remains the widely recognized authority across Nigeria, aimed at preserving unity. Nonetheless, incidents like this underscore the enduring debate over whether moon sightings should be confined within National boundaries or accepted from neighbouring regions with shared visibility conditions.
