From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has directed Muslims across Nigeria to look out for the new moon of Rabi’ul Awwal 1448AH on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 12, and signed by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto.
According to the statement, Thursday, August 13, corresponds to the 29th day of Safar 1448AH, making it the appropriate day for Muslims to observe the crescent moon of Rabi’ul Awwal.
The Sultanate Council urged Muslims who sight the crescent to promptly report the sighting to the nearest District or Village Head.
The reports will subsequently be communicated to the Sultan of Sokoto for verification and further action in accordance with Islamic tradition.
The directive is part of the established process for determining the commencement of the Islamic month of Rabi’ul Awwal.
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