The Sultanate Council, Sokoto State Chapter, has announced Thursday, August 13, 2026, as the day Muslims should look out for the new moon of Rabi’ul Awwal 1448AH.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 12, by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.

According to the statement, August 13 corresponds with the 29th day of Safar 1448AH, making it the appropriate day for the commencement of the search for the Rabi’ul Awwal crescent.

The council urged Muslims to carefully observe the sky for the new moon and promptly report any confirmed sighting to the nearest district or village head.

“Muslims are therefore requested to start looking for the new moon of Rabiul Awwal 1448AH on Thursday and report its sighting to the nearest District or Village Head,” the statement said.

It explained that reports of the sighting would be communicated through the traditional leadership structure to the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar.

The Sultan is also the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), which coordinates major Islamic religious matters in the country.

The council appealed to Muslims to participate in the moon-sighting exercise as part of their religious duty.

“May Allah (SWT) help us in the discharge of this religious duty, amen,” the statement added. (The Guardian)

•Sultan of Sokoto and President General Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria, Alhajj Muhammad sa’ad Abubakar lll