SOKOTO, NIGERIA — The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims across the country to look out for the new moon of Jumada Assaniya 1448 AH.
The call was made on Sunday. The new moon is expected to be sighted on Monday, November 9, 2026.
The Directive
The Sultan urged Muslims to observe the sky for the new moon. He said the sighting would mark the beginning of the month of Jumada Assaniya.
According to Islamic tradition, the sighting of the new moon determines the start of a new lunar month. The Sultan, as the leader of Muslims in Nigeria, has the authority to announce the sighting.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the office of the Sultan. It directed Muslims to report any sighting of the moon to the nearest Islamic authority.
The Significance of the Moon Sighting
The sighting of the new moon is a critical practice in Islam. It determines the beginning of important religious observances, including Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.
The Sultan’s directive is in line with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. It is also consistent with the practices of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
The council has a dedicated moon sighting committee. The committee is responsible for verifying reports of moon sightings from across the country.
What This Means
The directive is a significant religious announcement. It marks the beginning of a new month in the Islamic calendar.
Muslims across the country will be looking out for the moon on Monday evening. If the moon is sighted, the Sultan will announce the start of the new month.
The announcement will be broadcast on radio, television, and social media. It will also be communicated to Islamic leaders across the country.
What Happens Next
The Sultan is expected to make an official announcement after the moon sighting. The announcement will be made on Monday evening or Tuesday morning.
For now, Muslims are encouraged to observe the sky and report any sighting to the relevant authorities.
The Sultan’s office has also urged Muslims to use the opportunity to pray for peace and stability in the country. It said the new month should be a time for reflection and spiritual renewal.
The Role of the Sultan
The Sultan of Sokoto is the most senior Islamic authority in Nigeria. He is the spiritual leader of millions of Muslims across the country.
His directives on moon sightings are widely respected. They are followed by Muslims from different schools of thought.
The Sultan has consistently called for unity among Muslims. He has also advocated for peaceful coexistence between Muslims and followers of other faiths.
Conclusion
The new moon of Jumada Assaniya 1448 AH is expected to be sighted on Monday. Muslims across the country are encouraged to look out for the moon.
The Sultan’s directive is a reminder of the importance of the lunar calendar in Islamic practice. It also highlights the role of the Sultan as the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims.
For now, the focus is on the moon sighting. The coming days will reveal whether the new month will begin on Monday or Tuesday.
