IGBOZURUOKE FORUM

Sheikh Musa Lukwa, a Sokoto State-based cleric, on Tuesday, led his followers to observe the Eid-El-Fitr prayer.

This action is in contradiction with the directive given by The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, which earlier declared Wednesday as the first of Shawwal and Eid day, commemorating the completion of the 2024 Ramadan fast.

The cleric who was known for always going against Sultan’s directive on sighting of crescent said it was justifiable for him to lead his followers for Eid-el-Fitr celebration on Tuesday because the Niger Republic sighted the moon. 

“There were reports of sightings on the new crescent in many places, including here in Nigeria, but the one that we were sure of is that of Niger Republic”, the cleric was quoted by Daily Trust.

He continued: “We have a verified video clip of their council of Ulamah authenticating the report after which the country declared Tuesday as Sallah day. So it is now binding on us to observe Eid on Tuesday because this is what the teachings of the Holy Prophet says.

“If we can accept that of Saudi Arabia, why can’t we agree with that of Niger Republic which is nearer to us? 

“I am not saying all Nigerian Muslims must observe their Eid prayer on Tuesday but we have no moral justification not to observe our prayer on Tuesday because the new moon was sighted by our neighbors. And remember there is no fasting on Sallah day, it is prohibited,” he said.

Lukwa has been violating Sultan instructions, accusing the monarch of pushing Muslims to adopt Saudi Arabia’s moon seeing, which he thinks violates Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) traditions. 

However, the cleric challenged any academic who had a different viewpoint in a public debate.

Sahara Reporters