Sultan Calls for Nationwide Moon Sighting as Muslims Prepare for Islamic New Year

By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO – Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has issued a call to Muslims across Nigeria to participate in the sighting of the new moon for Muharram 1448 AH. The sighting will determine the start of the Islamic New Year.

The call was communicated through a statement released by Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, Sokoto.

According to the statement, Monday, 15 June 2026, which falls on the 29th day of Zulhijjah 1447 AH, has been set as the day for the nationwide observation of the Muharram crescent, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

The Sultan urged Muslims nationwide to watch the sky after sunset and to report any authentic sighting of the new moon through the established traditional channels.

He instructed that confirmed sightings be forwarded to the nearest District Head or Village Head, who would then transmit the information to the Sultanate Council and the Sultan.

The annual moon‑sighting exercise is the basis for determining the beginning of a new Islamic month and is a significant religious obligation observed by Muslim communities in Nigeria and around the world.

Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam and marks the start of the Islamic calendar, which sets the dates for major religious events and observances.

The results of the moon‑sighting exercise will guide the official declaration of the first day of Muharram 1448 AH and the commencement of the Islamic New Year for Muslims in Nigeria.

Religious leaders have traditionally encouraged broad participation in the exercise, stressing the importance of accuracy and adherence to established reporting procedures.

The Sultanate Council will announce the official start of Muharram after receiving and verifying reports from across the country.

This announcement comes as Muslim faithful prepare to usher in a new Islamic year, a period often marked by reflection, prayers and renewed commitment to spiritual growth.

Many note that the Sultan’s annual declaration remains the authoritative reference for the commencement of Islamic months in Nigeria, fostering unity and uniformity in nationwide religious observance.

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