Sultan Calls for Nationwide Muharram Moon Sighting

Muslims across Nigeria urged to observe the new moon on June 15 ahead of the commencement of Muharram 1448AH

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on Muslims across Nigeria to participate in the nationwide sighting of the Muharram crescent.

The moon-sighting exercise is expected to determine the beginning of Muharram 1448AH, the first month of the Islamic calendar and the start of the Islamic New Year in Nigeria.

Muharram is one of Islam’s four sacred months and serves as an important reference point for the timing of major religious observances throughout the year.

According to a statement issued by Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, Monday, June 15, 2026, which corresponds to the 29th day of Zulhijjah 1447AH, has been set aside for the observation of the new moon.

In line with the directive, Muslims are encouraged to look out for the crescent immediately after sunset on the designated day.

The Sultan further directed that any confirmed sighting of the moon should be reported to District Heads or Village Heads, who will forward the verified information through the appropriate channels to the Sultanate Council and the Sultan for official consideration.

Source: Politics Nigeria

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