Sultan of Sokoto Cites March 29 Which is the First Possible Day for Moon Sighting as the Reason for Asking the Muslims to Look Out for the New Moon for Eid al-Fitr

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has called upon Muslims across Nigeria to commence the search for the new moon of Shawwal 1446AH on Saturday, March 29, 2025. 

This request, made in anticipation of the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, was conveyed through a statement released by the Waziri of Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, on Friday, March 28, 2025. The sighting of this new moon is a pivotal moment, as it determines the conclusion of Ramadan and the commencement of the Eid-el-Fitr festivities. The Sultan emphasized that March 29 marks the 29th day of Ramadan 1446AH, signifying the earliest possible date for the moon's visibility. He has urged anyone who successfully sights the moon to promptly report their observations via designated phone numbers provided in the statement. Specifically, Muslims are asked to use the following numbers: 08037157100, 08066303077, 08035965322, 08035945903, and 07067146900. 

The confirmation of the new moon's sighting will officially mark the end of Ramadan and herald the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic lunar calendar. The Sultanate Council will then issue a final announcement regarding the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, based on the verified sightings.