- Sultan Of Sokoto Announces Muharram 1448AH Moon Sighting Date
- Moon sighting will determine the start of the Islamic New Year.
- Reports will be verified before an official announcement is made.
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 observe the sky for the sighting of the new moon of Muharram 1448AH.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the sighting of the crescent moon will determine the commencement of the Islamic New Year and the beginning of the month of Muharram in the Islamic lunar calendar.
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 designated for the nationwide moon-sighting exercise.
“This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Monday 15th June, 2026, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Zulhijja 1447AH, shall be the day to look for the new moon of Muharram 1448AH,” the statement read.
The Sultan urged Muslims who sight the crescent after sunset to report their observations through the established traditional channels for verification.
“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, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA),” the statement added.
The moon-sighting process remains an important tradition used to determine the beginning and end of Islamic months. The practice is observed by Muslim communities across Nigeria and in many parts of the world.
Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam and marks the beginning of a new Islamic calendar year. The month holds significant religious importance and is regarded as a period of reflection, worship and spiritual renewal for Muslims.
The Sokoto Sultanate Council is expected to announce the official commencement of Muharram 1448AH after receiving and verifying moon-sighting reports from different parts of the country.
