Sultan urges Muslims to watch for new moon

Amarachi Ihesiulo

August 14, 2026
2 min read
Sultan

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Muslims across Nigeria to participate in the sighting of the new moon of Muharram 1448AH, which marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year.

The directive was conveyed in a statement issued by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu.

The Sultanate Council designated Monday, June 15, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Zulhijjah 1447AH, for the nationwide search for the Muharram crescent. Muslims were advised to observe the sky after sunset and report any credible sighting through established traditional channels.

According to the directive, anyone who sights the crescent is expected to report it to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultanate Council.

The exercise is significant because the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, with the sighting of the crescent determining the beginning of each new month.

Muharram is particularly important to Muslims because it is the first month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months in Islam.

The Sultanate Council’s process of receiving and verifying moon-sighting reports is intended to ensure that the commencement of the new Islamic month is officially established.

The call also reinforces the role of the Sultanate Council in coordinating religious observances across Nigeria and promoting uniformity among Muslim communities.

Muslims were therefore encouraged to take the exercise seriously and ensure that only genuine sightings are communicated through the appropriate traditional leadership structures.

The announcement came as Muslim faithful prepared to welcome a new Islamic year, a period traditionally associated with prayer, reflection and renewed spiritual commitment.

The Sultan’s directive is part of the annual process through which the Nigerian Muslim community determines the beginning of major lunar months and religious observances.