By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The Sultanate Council of Sokoto has called on Muslims across Nigeria to look out for the crescent of Safar 1448AH on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, corresponding to the 29th of Muharram 1448AH.

The call was contained in a statement issued on Monday and signed by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu.

According to the statement, anyone who sights the new moon should immediately report it to the nearest District Head or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

The council said the moon-sighting exercise is an important religious responsibility that determines the beginning of a new Islamic month, urging Muslims to participate in the exercise.

Prof. Junaidu prayed for Allah’s guidance and acceptance of the exercise, saying, “May Allah (SWT) help us in the discharge of this religious duty. Amen.”

The Sultanate Council coordinates the official moon-sighting process in Nigeria, while the Sultan of Sokoto makes the final announcement on the commencement of each new Islamic month after verified reports are received from across the country.

Source: The Punch