Reported by Musa Antiketu,| Journalist at Obaland magazine.
Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, don declare Sunday, 13 September 2026, as di first day of Rabiu Assani 1448AH for Muslims across Nigeria.
Di declaration mean say di present Islamic month go end after di sighting and confirmation of di new moon, with Rabiu Assani, wey be di fourth month for Islamic calendar, to start on Sunday.
Di Sultan announcement dey important because Islamic calendar dey follow moon cycle, so di beginning of each month fit change based on when authorities confirm say dem don see di new moon. For Nigeria, di Sultan and Islamic authorities dey play important role for confirming di beginning of major Islamic months.
Rabiu Assani, wey some people dey call Rabi’ al-Thani, na one of di twelve months for Islamic calendar. Di month dey come after Rabiu Awwal and before Jumada al-Awwal.
According to di announcement, Sunday, 13 September 2026, go therefore mark 1 Rabiu Assani 1448AH for Nigeria.
Islamic calendar dates fit differ from ordinary calendar dates because dem dey depend on moon sighting. Some international Islamic calendars also put 13 September 2026 as di beginning of Rabiu Assani 1448AH, although exact dates fit depend on di method and location wey authorities use to confirm di new moon.
Di declaration from di Sultan go help Muslims, mosques, Islamic organisations and communities across Nigeria arrange religious activities and other programmes wey dey connected to di new Islamic month.
Di matter also show how moon sighting and traditional Islamic authority still dey important for determining religious dates among Muslims for Nigeria.
Sources: Announcement from di Sultan of Sokoto; Islamic calendar references from Ahl Al-Bait Islamic Centre and Ahlulbayt Community of Western Australia.
Sultan of Sokoto don declare Sunday, 13 September 2026, as di first day of Rabiu Assani 1448AH for Muslims across Nigeria.







