SOKOTO, NIGERIA — The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims across Nigeria to begin the search for the Shawwal crescent moon on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, which corresponds to the 29th day of Ramadan 1447AH, to signal the end of the holy month and the commencement of Eid-el-Fitr celebrations .
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Sultanate Council of Sokoto and signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Muslims nationwide are urged to look out for the new moon and report credible sightings through established traditional channels.
“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 read.
Reporting Procedure
The council advised that any Muslim who sights the crescent should promptly report the development to the nearest District or Village Head, who will in turn communicate the information to the Sultan for official verification and announcement.
To enhance coordination and ensure accuracy, the Sultanate Council also released dedicated telephone lines for direct reporting of verified sightings. The numbers are:
0803 715 7100
0806 630 3077
0803 596 5322
0803 594 5903
0706 714 6900
Significance of the Sighting
The sighting of the Shawwal crescent marks the conclusion of the month-long Ramadan fast and ushers in Eid al-Fitr, one of the most significant religious celebrations observed by Muslims worldwide.
The Sultan, who serves as the spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria, will make an official announcement upon verification of moon sightings from different parts of the country, which will determine the date for Eid prayers nationwide.
The statement added: “May Allah (SWT) help us in the discharge of this religious duty, amen”.
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