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Sultan asks Muslims to watch for new Islamic month’s moon

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • The Sultanate Council in Sokoto, Nigeria, has asked Muslims to watch for the new moon of Rabi'ul Awwal 1448 AH on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
  • Muslims who sight the crescent are urged to report it to traditional authorities for onward communication to the Sultan of Sokoto.
  • The sighting of the new moon marks the beginning of the next Islamic month.

Muslims across Nigeria have been asked to look out for the new moon of Rabi'ul Awwal 1448 AH on Thursday, August 13, 2026. This date corresponds to the 29th day of Safar 1448 AH, according to a statement from the Sultanate Council in Sokoto.

This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Thursday 13th August, 2026, which is equivalent to 29th day of Safar 1448AH shall be the day to look for the new moon of Rabiul Awwal 1448AH.

— Sultanate Council, Sokoto State ChapterStatement announcing the date for moon sighting.

The council, chaired by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, urged the Muslim community to actively search for the crescent moon. Any sightings should be reported through the appropriate traditional authorities.

Those who spot the new moon are directed to inform their nearest district or village head. This information will then be communicated to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, who also serves as the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).

Muslims are therefore requested to start looking for the new moon of Rabiul Awwal 1448AH on Thursday and report its sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).

— Sultanate Council, Sokoto State ChapterInstructions for reporting moon sightings.

The council expressed hope for divine assistance in fulfilling this religious duty. The sighting of the new moon signifies the commencement of the new Islamic month of Rabi'ul Awwal.

May Allah (SWT) help us in the discharge of this religious duty, amen.

— Sultanate Council, Sokoto State ChapterA prayer included in the statement.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.