By Sabiu Abdullahi
A Sokoto cleric, Sheikh Musa Lukwa of Sokoto, led his followers in observing the Eid prayer on Tuesday, a day ahead of the council’s declared date.
Recall that the NSCIA, under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, announced Wednesday as the official Eid day, marking the end of the 2024 Ramadan fast.
However, Sheikh Lukwa stood firm, asserting that the crescent moon signalling the beginning of Shawwal and Eid was sighted in the neighbouring Niger Republic on Monday.
Citing reports and a verified video clip from the Niger Republic’s council of Ulamah authenticating the moon sighting, Sheikh Lukwa justified his decision to hold the Eid prayer on Tuesday.
He stated the importance of adhering to the teachings of the Holy Prophet, stating that following the declaration made in Niger Republic was in accordance with Islamic tradition.
Despite the NSCIA’s assertion and the earlier stance of Saudi Arabian authorities, Sheikh Lukwa remained resolute in his belief, leading prayers at his Juma’at mosque around 8:30 a.m..
This move highlights the ongoing debate and differing perspectives within the Muslim community regarding moon sightings and the determination of Islamic holidays.
Sheikh Lukwa defended his stance, questioning the preference given to Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting over that of Niger Republic, which he argued was closer geographically.
He noted that observing the Eid prayer on Tuesday was not mandatory for all Nigerian Muslims but urged adherence to the moon sighting of their neighbours.
He stated, “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 neighbors. And remember there is no fasting on Sallah day, it is prohibited.”
Furthermore, Sheikh Lukwa has been vocal in his criticism of Sultan directives, accusing the monarch of imposing the moon sighting on Saudi Arabia, which he believes goes against the tradition of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
He has openly challenged any scholar with a contrary view to a public debate, indicating his commitment to his stance.
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