Sokoto Cleric Defies Sultan's Order to Lead Eid Prayers

Sheikh Musa Lukuwa, an Islamic scholar from Sokoto, led his congregation in Eid al-Fitr prayers on Thursday, despite the directive from the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, who had proclaimed Friday as the official day for the celebration.

The cleric performed the two-unit Eid prayer at his Mabera Mosque around 9:10 a.m.

He had previously addressed his followers following the Sultan's announcement regarding the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon across Nigeria.

In a message that later circulated on social media, Sheikh Lukuwa explained his decision by mentioning confirmed reports of moon sighting in neighboring Niger Republic.

According to him, reliable informants in the country had verified this development, leading his group to proceed with their Eid festivities.

"Niger Republic is very close to us—about 100 kilometers away," he stated. "If we can accept reports from cities like Kano or Lagos, which are much farther, there is no justification for rejecting confirmed sightings from a neighbor."

He clarified that his stance was not an act of defiance against the Sultan's authority but rather a commitment to adhere to religious principles.

"While we generally follow the Sultan's guidance for the commencement and conclusion of Ramadan, we must align our actions with the teachings of the Prophet when there is clear proof of a moon sighting, even if it contradicts the Sultan's announcement," he emphasized.

Lukuwa also referred to the historical practice of the late Abubakar Mahmoud Gummi, who used to declare moon sightings before such responsibilities were consolidated under the Sultan to maintain unity among the Muslim community.

He asserted that the Sultan's decision in this matter was incorrect and affirmed that his followers would not follow it.

Reports indicate that Lukuwa had informed his followers around midnight about the reported moon sighting and instructed them to return for Eid prayers the next morning.

This situation marks yet another occasion where the cleric and his followers have chosen to overlook the Sultan's official stance regarding the timings of Eid celebrations.