The Sultanate Council in Sokoto has called on Muslims across Nigeria to watch for the crescent moon signalling the beginning of Rabi’ul Awwal 1448 AH.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council.
According to the council, Thursday, August 13, marks the 29th day of Safar 1448 AH and is the designated day for Muslims to search for the new moon of Rabi’ul Awwal.
Those who sight the crescent have been instructed to report the observation to their nearest district or village head. The information is expected to be transmitted through the established traditional authorities to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
The Sultan is also the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, which has a prominent role in coordinating Islamic affairs in the country.
The council encouraged Muslims to participate in the moon-sighting exercise and promptly communicate any confirmed sighting through the appropriate channels.
Moon sighting plays an important role in determining the beginning of Islamic lunar months. Rabi’ul Awwal is the third month of the Hijri calendar and holds significance for Muslims in Nigeria and around the world.
The Sultanate Council urged members of the Muslim community to approach the exercise responsibly while awaiting an official declaration on the commencement of Rabi’ul Awwal 1448 AH.
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