Sultan directs Muslims to sight Rabi’ al-Thani moon
By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
SOKOTO — The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has directed Muslims across the country to search for the crescent of Rabi’ al-Thani 1448 AH on Friday, September 11, 2026.
The directive was contained in a statement signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Sultanate’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu.
According to the statement, Friday, September 11, corresponds to the 29th day of Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH and is therefore the appropriate day for Muslims to look for the new crescent.
The Sultan urged Muslims across the country to watch for the crescent immediately after sunset and to report any confirmed sighting through the established traditional authorities.
He directed anyone who sights the moon to promptly report the observation to the nearest Village or District Head for onward transmission to the Sultan.
The statement stressed the importance of credible and accurate reports, noting that sightings would be subjected to verification and authentication before any official announcement is made.
The Sultanate also cautioned against unverified claims and premature announcements, urging Muslims to approach the exercise with sincerity, seriousness and a sense of religious responsibility.
The eventual confirmation of the crescent will enable the Sultan to officially announce the commencement of Rabi’ al-Thani 1448 AH.
The directive is expected to mobilise Muslim faithful, traditional rulers and religious authorities across the country for the nationwide crescent-sighting exercise.
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