Sultan Directs Muslims To Sight Muharram Moon Monday

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 look out for the new moon of Muharram 1448AH.

Naija News understands that the sighting of the crescent will determine the commencement of the Islamic New Year.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sokoto Sultanate Council, Prof Sambo Wali Junaidu.

According to the statement, Monday, June 15, 2026, which corresponds to the 29th day of Zulhijjah 1447AH, has been fixed for the nationwide sighting of the Muharram crescent.

“This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Monday 15th June, 2026, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Zulhijja 1447AH, shall be the day to look for the new moon of Muharram 1448AH,” the statement read.

The Sultan urged Muslims across the country to observe the sky after sunset and report any authentic sighting through established traditional channels.

“Muslims are therefore requested to start looking for the new moon of Muharram 4448AH on Monday and report its sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA),” the statement added.

The moon-sighting exercise is used to determine the beginning of a new Islamic month and is observed by Muslim communities in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam and marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar.

The Sultanate Council is expected to announce the official commencement of Muharram after receiving and verifying reports from across the country.