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 crucial exercise that will determine the commencement of the Islamic New Year.
The directive was conveyed in a statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Sunday by 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 as the day for the nationwide sighting of the Muharram crescent, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
The statement informed the Muslim Ummah that the search for the new moon of Muharram 1448AH should begin after sunset on Monday, noting that the sighting exercise remains the accepted basis for determining the beginning of a new Islamic month.
“This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Monday, 15th June, 2026, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Zulhijjah 1447AH, shall be the day to look for the new moon of Muharram 1448AH,” the statement said.
The Sultan urged Muslims across the country to carefully observe the sky after sunset and promptly report any authentic sighting of the crescent through established traditional channels.
He advised that all verified reports should be communicated to the nearest District Head or Village Head for onward transmission to 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 of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs,” the statement added.
The moon-sighting exercise is a longstanding Islamic tradition observed by Muslim communities in Nigeria and across the world. It serves as the official method for determining the beginning of each new month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
Muharram occupies a special place in Islam as one of the four sacred months and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. The month is significant because it sets the timeline for major religious events and observances throughout the Islamic year.
