Sultan of Sokoto Calls for Shawwal Crescent Moon Sighting on Wednesday
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, has issued a formal directive urging Muslims throughout Nigeria to commence the search for the crescent moon that will signify the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. This announcement was made in an official statement released by Sambo Wali Junaidu, who holds the positions of Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs within the Sultanate Council of Sokoto.
Designated Date for Moon Sighting
According to the detailed statement, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, which corresponds precisely to the 29th day of Ramadan in the Islamic year 1447AH, has been officially designated as the day for the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal. This critical observation is a traditional practice that determines the commencement of Eid al-Fitr, the festive celebration marking the end of Ramadan's fasting period.
Reporting Procedures for Crescent Sightings
The statement explicitly instructed Muslims across the nation to report any confirmed sightings of the crescent moon to their nearest District or Village Head without delay. These local authorities are then tasked with promptly communicating the verified information to the Sultan's office for official authentication and declaration. To streamline this process and ensure efficiency, the Sultanate Council has also established dedicated telephone lines specifically for the direct reporting of credible moon sightings to the Sultan's administrative office.
This proactive measure aims to facilitate accurate and timely verification, allowing for a unified announcement regarding the start of Eid al-Fitr celebrations. The Sultan's call reinforces the importance of communal participation in this religious observance, emphasizing adherence to Islamic traditions while leveraging modern communication channels to enhance coordination among the Muslim community in Nigeria.
