A controversy in Eid-El-Fitr observance emerged in Sokoto as Muslim cleric Sheikh Musa Lukwa defied the directive of the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, leading his followers in Eid prayer on Tuesday contrary to the announced Wednesday date.
The Sultan, serving as the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, grounded his decision on reports from National Moon Sighting Committees nationwide, affirming the absence of the new moon sighting.
Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council, Prof Sambo Junaidu, in a statement made available to newsmen in Sokoto on Monday evening, said the council accepted the report and declared Wednesday, April 10, 2024, as the first day of Shawwal 1445AH.
READ ALSO: Sultan of Sokoto declares Wednesday, April 10 Eid-Fitri day
However, Sheikh Lukwa on why he conducted prayers at his Juma’at mosque on Tuesday said, “there were reports of sightings of the new crescent in many places, including here in Nigeria, but the one that we were sure of is that of Niger Republic.
“We have a verified video clip of their council of Ulamah authenticating the report after which the country declared Tuesday as Sallah day.
“So it is now binding on us to observe Eid on Tuesday because this is what the teachings of the Holy Prophet says.
“If we can accept that of Saudi Arabia, why can’t we agree with that of Niger Republic, which is nearer to us.
“I am not saying all Nigerian Muslims must observe their Eid prayer on Tuesday, but we have no moral justification not to observe our prayer on Tuesday because the new moon was sighted by our neighbours. And remember, there is no fasting on Sallah day. It is prohibited.”
Lukwa has persistently challenge the Sultan’s directives, alleging that the monarch imposes the moon sighting of Saudi Arabia on Muslims, a practice which he claims goes against the traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, PBUH.
The cleric, however, challenged any scholar with a contrary view to a public debate.
Crediblenews.ng
