SOKOTO: The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has directed Muslims across Nigeria to look out for the new crescent moon of Jumada Assaniya 1448AH on Monday, November 9, 2026.
The directive was announced by the Sultanate Council of Sokoto in a statement dated Sunday, November 8, and signed by Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, Waziri and Chairman of the council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs.
According to the statement, Monday, November 9, corresponds to the 29th day of Jumada al-Ula 1448AH and has therefore been designated for the nationwide moon-sighting exercise.
The council called on Muslims throughout the country to observe the western horizon after sunset on Monday in search of the new crescent, which will determine the commencement of the next Islamic lunar month.
The Sultanate Council specifically urged anyone who successfully sights the crescent to report the observation immediately to the nearest District or Village Head.
The reports will subsequently be transmitted to the Sultan, who is responsible for making the official announcement concerning the outcome of the moon-sighting exercise.
The council emphasised the importance of timely and credible reports, noting that verified observations would enable the Sultan to make an appropriate religious declaration on the beginning of Jumada Assaniya 1448AH.
It also reaffirmed the Sultan’s position as the recognised authority responsible for communicating the outcome of the national moon-sighting exercise to Muslims across Nigeria.
The announcement highlights the Sultanate Council’s coordinating role in Islamic religious affairs, particularly in matters relating to the observation of the moon and the determination of dates in the Islamic lunar calendar.
In a prayer contained in the statement, Professor Junaidu asked Allah (SWT) to grant Muslims the guidance, wisdom and strength required to carry out the religious responsibility successfully.
The council also prayed for divine assistance and acceptance of the exercise, urging Muslims to approach the assignment with sincerity, vigilance and a strong sense of religious commitment.
Muslims across Nigeria are therefore expected to participate in the exercise on Monday evening and ensure that any confirmed sighting is promptly communicated through the designated traditional leadership channels.
The Sultanate Council is expected to communicate the official outcome after receiving and reviewing reports from across the country.
