BY: Newspeddlers
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.
Lukwa told Daily Trust, that, “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 the condition
that he did not disobey Allah and His Prophet (SAW).
“You can’t
make decisions based on scientific evidence by astronauts because it's against
our religion and even Imam Malik discouraged this.”
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.
Sahara Reporters also report that, 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 was 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, Professor 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 turn
forwarded the report to the District Head of Gagi and the District head called
the Secretary of the Palace several times 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.
On Saturday, the Sultan, who is the head of all
Muslims in Nigeria, announced that the new moon of Shawwal, 1443AH, had not
been sighted.
SOURCE: Daily Trust, SAHARAREPORTERS