The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims across Nigeria to observe the new crescent moon of Jumadal Ula 1448 AH on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Saturday, October 10, and signed by the Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Sultanate Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs.
According to the statement, Sunday corresponds to the 29th day of Rabi’us Thani 1448 AH and has been designated for the nationwide moon-sighting exercise to determine the beginning of the Islamic month of Jumadal Ula.
The Sultan urged Muslim faithful to look towards the western horizon after sunset on Sunday to determine whether the new crescent is visible.
Those who sight the crescent have been instructed to report their observations promptly to the nearest district head or village head. The reports will then be communicated through the established traditional leadership structure for verification and onward transmission to the Sultan.
The exercise follows the Islamic lunar calendar tradition, under which the beginning of a new month is determined through the recognised moon-sighting process and the appropriate religious authority’s confirmation.
Jumadal Ula is the fifth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar, which follows lunar cycles rather than the Gregorian calendar. Consequently, the commencement of Islamic months does not fall on the same Gregorian dates every year.
The Sultan’s directive underscores the importance of public participation and accurate reporting in Nigeria’s nationwide moon-sighting process. Muslims who observe the crescent are expected to provide reliable information through recognised channels to support the official determination of the new month’s commencement.
The Sultanate Council has urged Muslim faithful to remain attentive to the official announcement following the exercise, as the verified outcome will determine when Jumadal Ula 1448 AH begins.
The announcement also highlights the continuing role of the Sultanate Council and the NSCIA in coordinating Islamic calendar observances across Nigeria, helping Muslim communities follow a common religious calendar.
Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar urges Nigerian Muslims to sight the Jumadal Ula 1448 AH crescent on Sunday, October 11, 2026, and report sightings through recognised traditional authorities.