The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Muslims across the country to look for the new moon of Shawwal 1446AH after the sunset of Saturday, March 29.
The Secretary-General of the NSCIA, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, said this on Friday in a statement titled: Eid-el-Fitr goodwill message and Felicitations’.
Muslim News gathered that the call came a day after the Federal Government declared Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as public holidays to mark the eid celebration.
Search for the new moon
“Consequent upon the advice of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), the President-General enjoins the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to search for the crescent of Shawwal 1446 A.H. immediately after sunset on Saturday, 29th Ramadan 1446 A.H. which is equivalent to 29th March 2025.
“It must be noted that, according to scientific calculations, the expected time for the conjunction of Shawwal moon in Nigeria is Saturday, 29th March 2025 at 11:58 a.m.
“That notwithstanding, as Islamic tradition stipulates, Muslims are enjoined to search for the crescent of Shawwal on the 29th of Ramadan.
“If Muslims sight the crescent in accordance with the moon sighting and verification standards, then His Eminence would declare Sunday, 30th March 2025 as the 1st of Shawwal and the day of ‘Idul Fitr.
“However, if the crescent is not sighted that day, then Monday, 31st March 2025, automatically becomes the day of ‘Idul Fitr,” Oloyede said.
He said that in addition to the established traditional and Islamic leaders in each locality, the members of the National Moon-Sighting Committee (NMSC) can be contacted to report any credible and positive sighting of the crescent of Shawwal 1446 AH.
The council prayed Allah to grant everyone the opportunity to witness many more of it in good health and divine guidance.
He also said that in the spirit of Ramadan, Muslims are reminded that Zakatul Fitr (mandatory charity for able Muslims) is a compulsory food levy imposed on privileged Muslims, to be given to the less privileged in the society.
The council, therefore, appealed to all concerned Muslims to ensure that they comply and do so in good time.
“The stipulated practice is to give out the prescribed measurement to beneficiaries in the last two days of Ramadan, but before the ‘Id prayer.
“The council encourages all Muslims to pray fervently to the Almighty Allah, especially during the concluding part of Ramadan, for peace, security and development in Nigeria.
“They are also admonished to pray for our leaders in line with the Hadith narrated by Abu Umamah, “Do not curse your leaders; invoke Allah to make them righteous, for their righteousness brings about your well-being as well” (Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Book 49, Hadith 3299).
“While wishing us all happy ‘Idul Fitr, the council enjoins Muslims all over the country to look out for the announcement to be made by the President-General of NSCIA, on the night of Saturday, 29th of March 2025,” Oloyede said.
Public holiday for Eid celebration
The President Buhari-led government through the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, also announced Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as public holidays to mark the eid celebration.
In a statement on Wednesday by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, the minister congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast, highlighting the significance of the holy month in fostering self-discipline, compassion, and spiritual renewal.
Tunji-Ojo called on all Muslims to continue embodying the virtues of love, generosity, and peace, emphasising the need for national unity and religious harmony.
He also urged Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the country’s peace, stability, and prosperity.
“As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, let us reflect on the lessons of Ramadan, embrace one another with love and forgiveness, and work together to build a more united and prosperous Nigeria,” the minister stated.
He further encouraged citizens to celebrate safely and responsibly, while extending acts of kindness to the less privileged, in line with the values of Ramadan and Eid.
On behalf of the Federal Government, Tunji-Ojo wished all Muslim faithful a joyous Eid Mubarak and prayed that the blessings of the season bring happiness and fulfilment to everyone.
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