By Monsurat Abisoye
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has directed Muslims across Nigeria to participate in the sighting of the new moon of Muharram 1448AH, which marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year.
According to a statement issued by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Monday, June 15, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Zulhijjah 1447AH, has been set aside for the nationwide moon-sighting exercise.
The Sultan urged Muslims to observe the sky after sunset and report any verified sighting of the Muharram crescent through the established traditional channels. He further instructed that confirmed sightings should be reported to the nearest District or Village Head, who will forward the information to the Sultanate Council and the Sultan.
The statement noted that the annual moon-sighting exercise determines the commencement of each Islamic month and remains an important religious practice observed by Muslim communities globally.
It also emphasised that Muharram is one of Islam’s four sacred months and holds significance as the first month in the Islamic calendar, which guides key religious events and observances.
