Published by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims across the country to observe the sighting of the new crescent marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Zulki’ida 1447AH.
The directive was issued through a statement released by the Sultanate Council in Sokoto via its Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs. According to the statement, Friday, April 17, 2026, which corresponds to the 29th day of Shawwal 1447AH in the Islamic calendar, has been set aside for the observation of the new moon.
The Sultan, who also serves as the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, instructed Muslims nationwide to actively participate in the traditional moon sighting exercise, which determines the beginning of each new Islamic month.
The announcement emphasized that the process remains a key religious practice in the Islamic calendar system, particularly in determining important dates for worship, fasting periods, and other religious observances. It further encouraged faithful across Nigeria to remain vigilant and committed in observing the sky for the crescent.
According to the statement signed by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sambo Junaidu, any individual who successfully sights the new moon is expected to report the sighting through appropriate local channels. This includes notifying the nearest district or village head, who will then escalate the information to the Sultanate Council for verification and official announcement.
The council stressed that this structured reporting process is essential for maintaining uniformity in the commencement of Islamic months across the country. It noted that coordinated moon sighting has long been a central practice in ensuring unity among Muslims in Nigeria regarding religious observances.
Religious authorities also reiterated the importance of collective participation, describing it as a shared responsibility among all Muslims. The statement highlighted that the accuracy and reliability of moon sighting depend on widespread vigilance and prompt reporting from different parts of the country.
The Sultanate Council’s announcement comes as part of its routine annual religious calendar management, which plays a significant role in guiding the observance of key Islamic months such as Ramadan, Shawwal, and Zulki’ida. These determinations are traditionally based on verified visual confirmation of the lunar crescent.
The council also urged Muslims to carry out the exercise with diligence and sincerity, noting that the sighting of the moon is not only a religious duty but also a unifying practice that reinforces shared values within the Muslim community.
As the designated date approaches, attention will turn to various regions across Nigeria where moon sighting committees and local religious leaders will be actively scanning the evening sky for confirmation of the new crescent. The final announcement on the commencement of Zulki’ida 1447AH will be made by the Sultanate Council following verification of credible reports.
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