|By Chinwendu Nwani
A Sokoto-based Islamic cleric, Musa Lukuwa, has defied the directive of the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar III, by leading his followers in observing Eid-el-Fitr prayers a day earlier than officially declared.
The Sultan, who is the spiritual head of Muslims in Nigeria, had announced that the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted anywhere in the country, declaring Friday as the official Sallah day.
However, on Thursday morning, Sheikh Lukuwa conducted the two-unit Eid prayer at his mosque in Mabera, Sokoto, drawing a number of followers who aligned with his position.
Before the prayer, the cleric addressed his congregation, explaining that his decision was based on credible reports of moon sightings in the neighbouring Niger Republic.
According to him, trusted sources in the country had confirmed the development, prompting his group to proceed with the Eid celebration.
Lukuwa argued that Niger Republic’s proximity—about 100 kilometres from Sokoto—made its moon sighting reports relevant, noting that Islamic authorities in Nigeria often accept sightings from distant cities like Kano and Lagos.
He maintained that rejecting verified reports from a neighbouring country while accepting those from farther locations would be inconsistent.
The cleric emphasized that his action was not intended to undermine the authority of the Sultan but was rooted in adherence to Islamic teachings.
He explained that while his group typically follows the Sultan’s directives regarding the commencement and conclusion of Ramadan, they are obligated to act when there is clear evidence of moon sighting, even if it contradicts official pronouncements.
Lukuwa also referenced historical practices, noting that respected Islamic scholar Abubakar Mahmoud Gummi once independently announced moon sightings before the process was centralized under the Sultan to ensure unity within the Muslim community.
Insisting that the Sultan’s declaration in this instance was incorrect, the cleric directed his followers to proceed with Eid observances. Reports indicate that he had earlier informed congregants around midnight of the confirmed sighting and instructed them to prepare for prayers the following morning.
