RismadarVoice Reporters
November 8, 2026
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims across Nigeria to look out for the new moon of Jumada Assaniya 1448AH on Monday, November 9, 2026.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Sultanate Council of Sokoto and signed by the Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu.
Junaidu, who also serves as Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, explained that Monday corresponds to the 29th day of Jumadal Ula 1448AH in the Islamic calendar.
The council urged Muslims nationwide to observe the sky for the appearance of the new crescent moon and report any confirmed sighting to the nearest district or village head.
According to the statement, reports received by traditional authorities should be forwarded through the appropriate channels to the Sultan for verification and necessary action.
The moon-sighting exercise is intended to determine the commencement of Jumada Assaniya, also known as Jumada al-Thani or Jumada al-Akhirah, the sixth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Under the Islamic calendar system, the beginning of a new month is traditionally determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, with each lunar month lasting either 29 or 30 days.
When the new crescent is confirmed on the 29th day, the following day marks the beginning of the new month. Otherwise, the current month completes 30 days.
The Sultanate Council’s directive is therefore aimed at ensuring that reports of sightings are communicated through recognised traditional and religious authorities before an official announcement is made.
The council encouraged Muslims to cooperate with the established reporting process and provide accurate information to facilitate the determination of the new Islamic month.
It also called on the Muslim community to seek divine guidance and assistance in carrying out the religious responsibility.
The Sultan, as President-General of the NSCIA, plays a central role in coordinating official moon-sighting announcements for the Muslim community in Nigeria.
The outcome of Monday’s exercise is expected to guide the official declaration of the commencement of Jumada Assaniya 1448AH.
Muslims across the country are consequently advised to await confirmation from the Sultanate Council rather than rely on unverified reports of crescent sightings.
