The Sultanate Council of Sokoto on Monday, 13 July, 2026 called on Muslims across Nigeria to look out for the new moon of Safar 1448AH on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Muharram 1448AH, reports thegazellenews.com.
The Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, made the call through statement issued on Monday, 13 July, 2026.
Junaid said in the statement that Muslims who sight the new moon are requested to promptly report the sighting to the nearest District Head or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
“This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Tuesday, 14th July, 2026, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Muharram 1448AH, shall be the day to look for the new moon of Safar 1448AH. Muslims are therefore requested to start looking for the new moon of Safar 1448AH on Tuesday 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, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), ” Junaid said in the statement, just as he also added that the moon-sighting exercise is an important religious obligation that determines the commencement of the new Islamic month.
He prayed for divine guidance and acceptance of the exercise, saying, “May Allah (SWT) help us in the discharge of this religious duty. Amen.”
The Sultanate Council traditionally coordinates the official moon-sighting process in Nigeria, with the Sultan of Sokoto making the final announcement on the commencement of new Islamic months after receiving verified reports from across the country.
