The Saudi Arabian authorities yesterday declared Friday as the day for the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr after confirming that the crescent moon was not sighted.

This announcement was made known on the HaraminInfo handles across all social media platforms on Wednesday.

“The crescent moon has NOT been sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, #EidAlFitr will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026.
Saudi Arabia’s declaration set the tone for many Muslim countries, including Nigeria, where the official announcement rests with the Sultan of Sokoto, who is the spiritual leader of the Nigerian Muslims.

Nigerians waited yesterday for confirmation from the Sultan of the moon’s sighting, which will determine the date for Eid-el-Fitr celebrations across the country. The confirmation, however, came last night when His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, announced that the Shawwal moon has not been sighted in Nigeria and also declared Friday as the day of Eid-El-Fitr.

In a statement signed by Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto on behalf of the Sultan on Wednesday night, said the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee did not receive any report from various Moon Sighting Committees across the country.

It further stated that Friday, March 20, 2026, is therefore the 30th day of the month of Ramadan.

According to the statement, “His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has accepted the report and accordingly and declared Friday, May 20, 2026 as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, the day of Eid-El-Fitr.”

Sultan Abubakar however felicitates with the Muslim Ummah in the country and wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings as they celebrate Eid el Fitr festive.

He however urged the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the country.

Eid-el-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by millions of Muslims worldwide.