Ramadan Continues in Nigeria as New Moon Not Sighted, Eid Expected Friday
The Muslim community in Nigeria will continue the Ramadan fast on Thursday following the non-sighting of the new moon, with Eid celebrations now expected to hold on Friday, according to Islamic authorities overseeing moon sighting in the country.
Religious leaders confirmed that the crescent moon, which marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, was not sighted on the expected evening across several observation points. As a result, the completion of the 29th day of fasting was not confirmed, leading to the extension of Ramadan by one additional day.
The announcement means that Muslims across Nigeria will observe fasting for another day, while preparations for Eid celebrations have been adjusted accordingly. The decision aligns with Islamic tradition, which requires verified moon sighting to determine the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr.
Faith leaders emphasized that the ruling is based on established religious guidelines and astronomical verification processes used to ensure accuracy in determining the Islamic calendar. They called on the faithful to continue their worship and devotion as the holy month draws to a close.
Across various states, preparations for Eid prayers and celebrations have been temporarily adjusted, with mosques and prayer grounds expected to confirm new schedules for Friday gatherings. Families and communities are also making arrangements for festive activities, charity distributions, and reunions that typically accompany the end of Ramadan.
Religious scholars have reminded Muslims of the spiritual significance of patience and obedience in observing the fasting period, noting that the completion of Ramadan is a time of gratitude, reflection, and celebration.
The announcement has also been communicated through local Islamic councils and religious organizations to ensure consistency in observance across the country. Authorities have urged the public to rely on official statements to avoid confusion regarding the exact date of Eid.
As Nigeria joins other Muslim-majority and Muslim-populated countries in concluding Ramadan, attention now turns to the expected Eid celebrations on Friday, which will mark the end of the holy month and the beginning of the festive period.
The extension of fasting by one day is seen as part of the natural variation in moon sighting practices, which differ slightly across regions depending on visibility conditions.
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