Islamic New Year: Sultan Calls on Muslims to Observe Muharram Crescent

Islamic New Year: Sultan Calls on Muslims to Observe Muharram Crescent

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on Muslims across Nigeria to participate in the sighting of the Muharram crescent, a significant religious exercise that will determine the commencement of the Islamic New Year 1448AH.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sokoto Sultanate Council, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu.

According to the statement, Monday, June 15, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Zulhijjah 1447AH, has been designated as the official day for observing the new moon of Muharram 1448AH, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

“This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Monday 15th June, 2026, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Zulhijjah 1447AH, shall be the day to look for the new moon of Muharram 1448AH,” the statement read.

The Sultan urged Muslims throughout the country to observe the crescent immediately after sunset and report any confirmed sighting through the established traditional channels.

He advised those who sight the moon to communicate the information to the nearest District Head or Village Head for onward transmission to the Sultanate Council, where reports will be collated and verified before an official announcement is made.

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The moon-sighting exercise remains a central tradition in Islam and is used to determine the beginning and end of lunar months, including Ramadan, Shawwal, Zulhijjah, and Muharram.

As the first month of the Islamic calendar, Muharram occupies a special place in Islam and is recognized as one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. The month marks the beginning of the Hijri calendar, which guides the timing of major Islamic religious activities and observances worldwide.

Islamic historians trace the Hijri calendar to the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE, an event regarded as a turning point in Islamic history.

In Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto traditionally announces the commencement of Islamic months after consultations with moon-sighting committees, Islamic scholars, traditional rulers and religious leaders across the country.

The Sultanate Council explained that all reported sightings would undergo verification before a formal declaration is made regarding the start of Muharram 1448AH and the beginning of the new Islamic year.

If the crescent is successfully sighted and authenticated on Monday evening, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, is expected to be declared the first day of Muharram. However, if no credible sighting is recorded, the month of Zulhijjah will complete 30 days, and Muharram will begin the following day in accordance with Islamic tradition.

Beyond the moon-sighting exercise, the Sultan urged Muslims to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, security and economic prosperity in Nigeria.

The commencement of Muharram is often marked by reflection, increased acts of worship and renewed commitment to faith, as Muslims across the world welcome a new year in the Islamic calendar.

The Sultanate Council is expected to issue an official announcement after receiving and verifying moon-sighting reports from different parts of the country.

Islamic New Year: Sultan Calls on Muslims to Observe Muharram Crescent