Sokoto Cleric Defies Sultan, Leads Eid Prayers Early

On Thursday, Sheikh Musa Lukuwa, a Sokoto-based Islamic scholar, led Eid al-Fitr prayers at Mabera Mosque, disregarding Sultan Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III's directive to observe the holiday on Friday. The Sultan had announced that the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted anywhere in Nigeria, thus extending Ramadan.

Lukuwa conducted two units of Eid prayer at 9 and 10 AM, citing confirmed moon sightings from neighboring Niger Republic, located approximately 100 kilometers away. He emphasized that his actions were not intended to undermine the Sultan's authority but were in accordance with Islamic teachings that allow for moon sighting reports from beyond national boundaries.

This incident reflects a broader debate within Islamic jurisprudence regarding the acceptance of moon sightings from neighboring countries, particularly in northern Nigeria. This is not the first instance of Lukuwa taking a position that diverges from the Sultan's official declarations, which often aim to promote unity among Muslims.