Eko Hot Blog reports that Sheikh Musa Lukwa, a revered Islamic cleric in Sokoto, defied the directive of Sultan Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III by leading his followers in the Eid prayer on Tuesday.
It was noted that the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) had officially designated Wednesday as the Eid day to signify the conclusion of the 2024 Ramadan fast.
The NSCIA stated that the crescent moon, which signals the end of Ramadan, was not sighted on Monday, which aligns with Saudi Arabia’s observation.
According to Daily Trust, Lukwa, known for his independent stance on moon sighting, conducted the Eid prayers at his mosque at 8:30 am on Tuesday.
Muslim Cleric, Sheikh Musa Lukwa
He justified his decision by explaining that he observed the moon sighting in neighboring Niger Republic on Monday, prompting the country to declare Tuesday as Eid day.
Lukwa contended that if Nigerian Muslims adhere to moon sighting reports from Saudi Arabia, they should similarly accept those from Niger Republic, considering its geographical proximity.
He emphasized that fasting on Eid day is prohibited, hence his decision to observe the prayer on Tuesday following the sighting.
He said, “There were reports of sightings on the new crescent in many places, including here in Nigeria, but the one that we were sure of is that of Niger Republic.
Muslims congratulation
“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 neighbors. And remember there is no fasting on Sallah day, it is prohibited.”
This act of defiance is not new for Sheikh Lukwa, as he has previously contested the Sultan’s directives, asserting that relying solely on Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting without local verification contradicts the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
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