The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, CFR, mni, has called on Muslim faithful across the country to look out for the new crescent moon of Jumadal Ula 1448 AH on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
The advisory was issued in an official statement on Saturday, October 10, 2026, by the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council, Sokoto, in conjunction with the National Moonsighting Committee (NMSC) of the NSCIA.
Muslims across Nigeria are requested to begin searching for the new crescent moon immediately after sunset on Sunday, 29th Rabī’ al-Thānī 1448 AH (October 11, 2026).
Speaking on behalf of the Sultanate Council, spokesperson Prof. Salisu Shehu (Deputy Secretary-General of the NSCIA) and Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede (Secretary-General of the NSCIA) emphasized the importance of swift reporting through established local and state moon sighting committees or direct traditional channels to enable prompt verification.
If the crescent moon is sighted on Sunday evening by reliable witnesses, His Eminence the Sultan will declare Monday, October 12, 2026, as the first day of Jumadal Ula 1448 AH. However, if the moon is not sighted, Rabī’ al-Thānī will complete its 30-day cycle, making Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the official commencement date of the new Islamic month.
The Sultanate Council urged the Muslim Ummah to remain attentive to official announcements broadcast through national media following the conclusion of the sighting exercise.
