Islamic group defies Sultan’s directive

In defiance of the directive by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, a Sokoto-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Musa Lukuwa, led his followers in observing Eid-el-Fitr prayers on Thursday.

The Sultan had declared Friday as the official Sallah day after announcing that the Shawwal crescent moon had not been sighted anywhere in Nigeria.

At his Mabera mosque, the cleric conducted the two-unit Eid prayer at approximately 9:10 a.m.

He had earlier addressed his followers after the Sultan’s announcement, which declared the moon had not been sighted.

Lukuwa justified his decision by citing reports of moon sightings in neighbouring Niger Republic.

He said, “Trusted contacts in the country verified the development, prompting the group to proceed with the Eid celebration.”

The Islamic cleric explained that Niger Republic, located about 100 kilometers away, was close enough to accept confirmed moon sightings from there.

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He pointed out that if they accept reports from cities like Kano or even Lagos, which are farther away, there is no reason to reject moon sightings from a neighbouring country.

Lukuwa clarified that the decision was not an act of disregard for the Sultan’s authority.

He stressed that it was rather adherence to religious teachings.

He further stated that they follow the Sultan’s directive to start and end Ramadan but must act in accordance with the teachings of the Prophet when the moon is clearly sighted.

This might differ from the Sultan’s declaration, but they must follow religious teachings.

The cleric referenced the historical role of the late Abubakar Mahmoud Gummi in announcing moon sightings.

This was before the responsibility was centralized under the Sultan for unity within the Muslim community.

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According to Lukuwa, the Sultan’s decision in this instance was incorrect.

He insisted that his followers would not comply with the Sultan’s directive.

Separate accounts indicate that Lukuwa informed congregants around midnight of the reported moon sighting.

He instructed them to return for Eid prayers the following morning.

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