Sokoto Cleric Defies Sultan’s Directive Again, Leads Eid Prayers on Tuesday

Sheikh Musa Lukwa, a prominent cleric based in Sokoto, disregarded the directive issued by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and led his followers in Eid prayers on Tuesday.

Despite the declaration by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by the Sultan, that fasting would continue on Tuesday due to the unavailability of the crescent moon sighting, Sheikh Lukwa proceeded with the Eid prayers.

While the Sultan had officially announced Wednesday as the first of Shawwal and Eid day, aligning with the decision of Saudi Arabian authorities, Sheikh Lukwa argued that the moon of Shawwal was sighted in neighboring Niger Republic on Monday night.

Citing reports and a verified video clip of the Council of Ulamah in Niger Republic authenticating the moon sighting, Sheikh Lukwa defended his decision, stating that it was in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Prophet.

Despite facing criticism for his defiance, Sheikh Lukwa emphasized the proximity of Niger Republic to Nigeria and questioned why the sighting there couldn’t be acknowledged similarly to that of Saudi Arabia.

This isn’t the first time Sheikh Lukwa has challenged the Sultan’s directives. In 2022, he also led Eid prayers on a different date, openly disobeying the Sultan’s orders regarding moon sighting.

The cleric’s actions have sparked discussions within the Muslim community, highlighting divergent interpretations of religious rulings and the authority of central leadership in matters such as Eid observance.