The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Muslims nationwide to participate in the sighting of the Muharram 1448AH crescent, which will determine the start of the Islamic New Year.
The call was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sokoto Sultanate Council, Sambo Wali Junaidu.
According to the statement, Monday, June 15, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Zulhijjah 1447AH, has been designated for the nationwide search for the new moon of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
“This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Monday 15th June, 2026 which is equivalent to 29th day of Zulhijja 1447AH shall be the day to look for the new moon of Muharram 1448AH.”
The Sultan encouraged Muslims to observe the sky after sunset and report any confirmed sighting through the established traditional channels.
“Muslims are therefore requested to start looking for the new moon of Muharram 4448AH on Monday and report its sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA),” the statement added.
The moon-sighting exercise is traditionally used to determine the beginning of a new Islamic month and is observed by Muslim communities in Nigeria and around the world.
Muharram is one of Islam’s four sacred months and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar, which guides major religious events and observances.
The Sokoto Sultanate Council is expected to announce the official commencement of Muharram after reviewing and verifying moon-sighting reports received from across the country.
