A cleric in Sokoto state, Sheikh Musa Lukwa and members of his group, on Tuesday observed eid prayers in defiance of Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad’s directive.
Sultan Sa’ad has declared Wednesday as Sallah day because the new crescent of Shawwal was not sighted anywhere in the country.
However, few minutes after the Sultan declaration, Lukwa addressed his members who converged on his mosques at Mabera area that they would observe their eid prayer on Tuesday because the new moon was sighted in Niger Republic.
“There were reports on sighting on the new crescent in many places including here in Nigeria but the one that we were sured of was that of Niger Republic.
“We have a verified video clip of their council of Ulamah authenticating the report before 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 us agree with that of Niger Republic which is more closer to us.
“I am not saying all Nigerian Muslims must observe their eid prayer on Tuesday but we, we have no reason whatsoever not to observe our prayer on Tuesday.
“And remember there is no fasting on Sallah day, it is prohibited,” he said.
21st CENTURY CHRONICLE learnt that Mr Lukwa and his followers observed their eid prayer around 8:30am on Tuesday.
