Mudir Markaz Sheikh Habeeb Adam Al-Ilory Is Not Part of the Authority to Follow – His Moon Sighting Announcement Sparks Controversy Among the Muslim Community in South-West Nigeria

The recent moon sighting declaration by Sheikh Habeeb Adam Al-Ilory, the Mudir of Markaz, has sparked widespread debate, particularly within the Muslim community in South-West Nigeria. His announcement, which bypassed recognized Islamic authorities, has been criticized as un-Islamic and lacking legitimacy.

Moon sighting for determining the start and end of Ramadan is a responsibility that falls under recognized Islamic bodies, such as:

• Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court

• National Moon Sighting Committees in various countries

• Estehlal Committees in Iran and Iraq

These bodies follow strict religious and scientific guidelines to ensure accuracy and maintain unity among Muslims worldwide. However, Mudir Markaz’s self-proclaimed announcement has no backing from any recognized Islamic or governmental body, leading many to question its validity.

In South-West Nigeria, where Sheikh Habeeb Adam Al-Ilory is highly regarded in Islamic academic circles, his unofficial moon sighting declaration has caused confusion. Many Muslims in the region traditionally follow Saudi Arabia or the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) for Eid announcements.

Islamic tradition emphasizes that moon sighting must be conducted by qualified scholars, either through naked-eye observation or scientific calculations approved by religious authorities. Reports suggest that Mudir Markaz’s announcement may have been influenced by an astrological publication from Middle East Eye (March 26, 2025)—a move that contradicts traditional Islamic rulings.

If true, this further weakens the credibility of his statement, as Islamic rulings cannot be based on astrology or unofficial sources.

One of the biggest concerns among the Muslim community in South-West Nigeria is the division caused by multiple moon sighting declarations. With many believers relying on official moon sighting committees, an unofficial and unauthorized announcement creates uncertainty and risks separate Eid celebrations. This goes against the Islamic principle of unity in worship.

Islamic scholars and religious bodies worldwide agree that moon sighting announcements should come only from recognized authorities. Mudir Markaz Sheikh Habeeb Adam Al-Ilory’s declaration, while influential, holds no Islamic or legal weight in determining the start of Eid.

For the sake of unity, especially in South-West Nigeria, it is crucial that Muslims follow established religious institutions when determining important dates like Eid al-Fitr, rather than relying on independent or unverified sources.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Should individuals be allowed to make moon sighting declarations, or should it remain strictly within Islamic governing bodies? Share your opinion in the comments!