By Ezechukwu Chidozie
Sheikh Musa Lukwa, the Islamic cleric who led his followers to observe Eid Prayers on Sunday, has defended his action.
Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, who is the head of all Muslims in Nigeria, had declared Monday as Eid-ul-Fitr.
The Sultan had announced that the new moon of Shawwal, 1443AH, was not sighted on Saturday, but Sheik Luka said the Sultan’s position was not correct.
“A lecturer at the Usman Danfodiyo University, Dr. Maigari, also confirmed the sighting of the new moon at the main campus of the university and there were reports on the new moon from about 10 communities in Jega, Kebbi state, which was confirmed by the Chief Imam of Jega, Malam Bashar.
“And Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi also confirmed the sighting of the new moon in many places in the country.
“So, we observed our Eid in compliance with the instruction of the Holy Prophet who asked us to fast and to break the fast at the sighting of the new moon.
“It is agreed that, obedience to our leaders, especially, the Sultan, is compulsory for every Muslim, but on condition that he did not disobey Allah and His Prophet (SAW).
“You can’t take decision based on scientific evidence by astronauts because it is against our religion and even Imam Malik discouraged this,” he said.
On whether, they reported their observation to the Committee on Moon Sighting, Sheik Lukwa said there was no need because they had already made up their mind.
He recalled many instances where such reports were turned down by the committee.
“In 2011, a similar incident happened. The new moon was sighted in many places and were duly reported to the committee and when they presented their report to the Sultan, he kicked against it.
“This was the reason why the chairman of the committee, Prof. A. A. Gwandu, resigned at the time.
“And there was a time, the moon was sighted at Mabera area and it was communicated to the village head of Mabera who in turned forwarded the report to the District Head of Gagi and the District head called the Secretary of the Palace severally without response.
“He then wrote to the Sultan but the Sultan replied that, the new moon would only be sighted the next day.
“I saw the reply. We can’t obey someone who is disobeying Allah and His Prophet (SAW),” he said.
