The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims across Nigeria to begin their search for the Shawwal crescent, marking the conclusion of Ramadan and the onset of Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
This directive was communicated in a statement released on Tuesday by the Sultanate Council of Sokoto, signed by Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs.
The statement indicates that the sighting of the new moon is to be observed on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, which aligns with the 29th day of Ramadan 1447AH.
"The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, urges Muslims throughout the country to look out for the new moon of Shawwal on Wednesday, March 18, 2026,” the statement declared.
The council further advised that any Muslim who observes the crescent should promptly report it through the relevant traditional channels.
"Muslims who sight the new moon should inform the nearest District or Village Head, who will communicate the observation to His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, for further announcement," it emphasized.
Additionally, it announced dedicated phone lines for reporting confirmed sightings directly to the Sultan's office, urging that all reports be verified for authenticity.
The Sultanate Council highlighted that the confirmed sighting of the Shawwal moon signifies the end of the Ramadan fast and the beginning of Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
In line with tradition, the Sultan, serving as the spiritual leader for Muslims in Nigeria, will publicly announce the date for Eid prayers nationwide, based on verified reports of moon sightings from different regions of the country.
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