The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Muslims across Nigeria to look out for the crescent moon of Muharram 1448AH on Monday, June 15, 2026.
The moon sighting will determine the beginning of the Islamic New Year and the commencement of the month of Muharram, one of the four sacred months in Islam.
The directive 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 designated for the nationwide sighting of the Muharram crescent.
The statement informed the Muslim faithful that they should observe the sky after sunset and report any confirmed sighting through the appropriate traditional channels.
Muslims who sight the moon are expected to notify their nearest District or Village Head, who will then relay the information to the Sultan of Sokoto for verification and official announcement.
The annual moon-sighting exercise serves as the basis for determining the start of a new Islamic month and is observed by Muslim communities in Nigeria and across the world.
Following the receipt and verification of reports from different parts of the country, the Sultanate Council is expected to announce the official date for the commencement of Muharram 1448AH.
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