SULTAN DIRECTS NATIONWIDE SEARCH FOR NEW MOON OF MUHARRAM
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
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 the country to take part in the sighting of the new moon of Muharram 1448AH, which marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year.
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, corresponding to the 29th day of Zulhijjah 1447AH, has been set aside for the nationwide search for the Muharram crescent, the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
It stated: “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.”
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The Sultan urged Muslims to observe the sky after sunset on the designated day and report any credible sighting of the new crescent through established traditional communication channels.
He added that individuals who sight the moon should report to the nearest District or Village Head for onward transmission to His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the NSCIA.
The moon-sighting exercise is used globally by Muslim communities to determine the beginning of new Islamic months and guide religious observances.
Muharram is regarded as one of the sacred months in Islam and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar, which is used to determine key religious events.
The Sultanate Council is expected to formally announce the commencement of Muharram after verifying reports of the moon sighting from across the country.
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