The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims across Nigeria to look out for the crescent moon marking the beginning of Jumadal Ula 1448 AH on Sunday, October 11.
The Sultan, who is also the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), urged Muslims to participate in the moon-sighting exercise to determine the beginning of the new Islamic lunar month.
The directive was contained in a statement issued by the Sultanate Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs through its chairman, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Wazirin Sokoto.
According to the statement, Sunday, October 11, corresponds to the 29th day of Rabi’us Thani 1448 AH, making it the designated day for Muslims across the country to search for the new crescent.
Muslims have been encouraged to observe the western horizon after sunset for any sign of the moon, which marks the transition from one Islamic lunar month to another.
The statement also called on Muslims who sight the crescent to report their observations to the nearest district or village head. The reports are expected to be transmitted through the established traditional leadership structure to the Sultanate Council for verification.
The process allows religious authorities to assess reported sightings before making an official announcement on whether the new month has commenced.
The Islamic calendar follows a lunar system, with months beginning according to the appearance of the new crescent. Each month lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting and the applicable religious procedures.
Moon-sighting exercises are therefore an important part of determining the dates of Islamic observances and other activities that follow the Hijri calendar.
The Sultanate Council regularly calls on Muslims across Nigeria to participate in the process by looking out for the crescent and communicating credible sightings to the appropriate authorities.
The latest directive places responsibility on individuals and communities to report their observations through recognised channels rather than relying solely on unverified reports.
The statement urged Muslims to cooperate with the relevant authorities and provide accurate information to support the exercise.
The outcome of the moon-sighting process will determine the official commencement of Jumadal Ula 1448 AH, subject to confirmation by the Sultanate Council.
Muslims across the country are expected to await the council’s official announcement following the collection and verification of reports from different parts of Nigeria.
