Sultan directs Muslims to look out for Muharram crescent

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 crescent, a key exercise that will determine the beginning 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, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu.

According to the statement, Monday, June 15, 2026, which corresponds to the 29th day of Zulhijjah 1447AH, has been set aside for the observation of the new moon of Muharram 1448AH, the opening 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 appealed to Muslims across the country to watch for the crescent after sunset and communicate any confirmed sighting through the established traditional reporting 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 process is traditionally used to establish the start of a new Islamic month and remains a significant religious practice among Muslim communities in Nigeria and across the world.

Muharram is regarded as one of Islam’s four sacred months and marks the commencement of the Islamic calendar, which guides the timing of major religious activities and observances.

The Sultanate Council is expected to formally declare the beginning of Muharram after collating and verifying reports received from different parts of the country.