on Muslims to Sight New Moon for Islamic New Year — Sultan Calls

As the Islamic calendar approaches a new year, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, who also serves as the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, has urged Muslims across the country to participate in the sighting of the new moon. This exercise, which is scheduled to take place on Monday, June 15, 2026, equivalent to the 29th day of Zulhijjah 1447AH, will determine the commencement of the Islamic New Year. The directive was issued through a statement by Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sokoto Sultanate Council. Muslims have been requested to observe the sky after sunset on the designated day and report any authentic sighting of the new moon to the nearest District or Village Head, who will then communicate the information to the Sultan. The moon-sighting exercise is a significant event in the Islamic calendar, as it marks the beginning of a new month and is observed by Muslim communities in Nigeria and around the world. Muharram, the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar, holds special significance in Islam as one of the four sacred months and determines major religious events and observances. After receiving and verifying reports from across the country, the Sultanate Council is expected to announce the official commencement of Muharram. The Sultan's call to Muslims to participate in the moon-sighting exercise is a reminder of the importance of this event in the Islamic calendar and the need for Muslims to come together to observe this significant occasion.