The Sultanate Council of Sokoto has called on Muslims across Nigeria to actively watch for the new moon of Safar 1448AH, marking a key step in the Islamic lunar calendar and the transition from the month of Muharram.

The directive was issued in a statement signed by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu. The council emphasized that the sighting of the Safar crescent is a communal religious responsibility that determines the official beginning of the new month.

According to the statement, any Muslim who sights the new moon is expected to immediately report the observation to the nearest District Head or Village Head. These local authorities are then to relay verified reports to the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

The council reiterated that moon sighting remains central to the practice of Islam in Nigeria, guiding the observance of religious duties, recommended acts of worship and the general rhythm of the Hijri calendar. The process, it noted, is not merely symbolic but a structured exercise that relies on testimonies from across the country.

The Sultanate Council plays a coordinating role in this system, collating reports from various regions before the Sultan makes a formal announcement on the commencement of each new Islamic month. This centralized approach is intended to promote unity and ensure that Muslims in Nigeria begin and end months on the same day.

Prof. Junaidu prayed for divine support and acceptance of the effort, asking that Allah grant Muslims the ability to fulfill this religious duty with sincerity and accuracy. He underscored that participation in the moon-sighting exercise, whether by direct observation or by heeding the official announcement, forms part of the collective worship life of the Muslim community.