The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on Muslims across Nigeria to participate in the sighting of the new moon of Muharram 1448 AH, an exercise that will determine the commencement 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, Alhaji Sambo Wali Junaidu.
According to the statement, Monday, June 15, 2026, which corresponds to the 29th day of Zulhijjah 1447 AH, has been designated for the nationwide sighting of the Muharram crescent, marking the beginning of the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
The Sultanate Council urged the Muslim Ummah to begin searching for the new moon immediately after sunset on Monday, noting that moon-sighting remains the accepted Islamic method for determining the commencement of a new lunar month.
It said: “This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Monday, 15th June, 2026, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Zulhijjah 1447 AH, shall be the day to look for the new moon of Muharram 1448 AH.”
The Sultan appealed to Muslims across the country to carefully observe the sky after sunset and report any authentic sighting of the crescent through the established traditional channels.
He directed that all confirmed sightings should be reported 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 1448 AH 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 basis for determining the beginning of each new month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
Muharram holds special significance in Islam as one of the four sacred months. It also marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar and sets the timeline for major religious events and observances throughout the year.
