The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on Muslims across Nigeria to participate in the sighting of the new moon of Muharram 1448AH, a development that will determine the official commencement of the Islamic New Year.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sokoto Sultanate Council.
According to the statement, Monday, June 15, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Zulhijjah 1447AH, has been designated for the nationwide sighting of the crescent that marks the beginning of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.
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“This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Monday 15th June, 2026, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Zulhijja 1447AH, shall be the day to look for the new moon of Muharram 1448AH,” the statement read.
The Sultan urged Muslims across the country to observe the sky after sunset and report any verified sighting through the established traditional and religious channels recognised by the Sultanate Council.
“Muslims are therefore requested to start looking for the new moon of Muharram 1448AH 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,” the statement added.
The annual moon-sighting exercise is a significant religious practice observed by Muslim communities around the world and serves as the basis for determining the beginning and end of months in the Islamic lunar calendar.
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar cycle, the Islamic calendar follows lunar phases, making moon sightings essential in fixing dates for major religious events, including Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and the Islamic New Year.
Muharram occupies a special place in Islamic tradition as one of the four sacred months recognised in Islam. The month marks the beginning of a new Hijrah year and is regarded as a period of reflection, worship and spiritual renewal by Muslims worldwide.
Religious leaders say the moon-sighting process remains an important symbol of unity among Muslims, as communities across the country await a central announcement from the Sultanate Council before observing key religious dates.
The Sultanate Council is expected to collate and verify reports received from different parts of Nigeria before making an official declaration on the commencement of Muharram 1448AH.
The announcement will determine the start of the Islamic New Year and guide religious observances for millions of Muslims across the country in the days ahead.
