The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Muslims across Nigeria to participate in the nationwide sighting of the new crescent moon of Jumadal Ula 1448 AH on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims across the country to prepare for the sighting of the new crescent moon marking the beginning of Jumadal Ula 1448 AH.
The directive was conveyed in a statement issued on Saturday, October 10, 2026, and signed by the Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Sultanate Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs.
According to the statement, Sunday, October 11, corresponds to the 29th day of Rabi’us Thani 1448 AH and has been designated for the nationwide moon-sighting exercise.
More Read
Muslims Asked to Observe Crescent After Sunset
The Sultan urged Muslims in all parts of Nigeria to observe the western horizon after sunset on Sunday for any possible sighting of the new crescent moon.
The statement directed anyone who successfully sights the crescent to report the observation promptly to the nearest district head or village head for onward communication to the Sultan.
The reporting process is intended to facilitate the verification of sightings through recognised traditional and religious leadership structures before an official announcement is made.
More Read
Muslims participating in the exercise are expected to provide accurate information to assist the relevant authorities in assessing and confirming any reported sighting.
Moon Sighting Determines Start of Islamic Month
The exercise follows the Islamic tradition of using the sighting of the new moon to determine the beginning of lunar months, subject to confirmation by the appropriate religious authorities.
The Sultan of Sokoto, in his capacity as President-General of the NSCIA and a leading traditional Islamic authority in Nigeria, plays a central role in coordinating national moon-sighting announcements.
The outcome of the exercise will determine the officially recognised commencement of Jumadal Ula 1448 AH in Nigeria.
The Sultanate Council has therefore urged Muslim scholars, traditional rulers, community leaders and the wider Muslim population to cooperate with the established reporting process and remain attentive to official communications following the exercise.
More Read
Muslims across the country are expected to await the Sultanate Council’s announcement on the outcome of the crescent sighting and the commencement of the new Islamic month.
