Sultan directs Muslims to sight Rabi’ al-Thani moon

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Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA)

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By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

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SOKOTO — The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has directed Muslims across the country to search for the crescent of Rabi’ al-Thani 1448 AH on Friday, September 11, 2026.

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The directive was contained in a statement signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Sultanate’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu.

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According to the statement, Friday, September 11, corresponds to the 29th day of Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH and is therefore the appropriate day for Muslims to look for the new crescent.

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The Sultan urged Muslims across the country to watch for the crescent immediately after sunset and to report any confirmed sighting through the established traditional authorities.

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He directed anyone who sights the moon to promptly report the observation to the nearest Village or District Head for onward transmission to the Sultan.

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The statement stressed the importance of credible and accurate reports, noting that sightings would be subjected to verification and authentication before any official announcement is made.

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The Sultanate also cautioned against unverified claims and premature announcements, urging Muslims to approach the exercise with sincerity, seriousness and a sense of religious responsibility.

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The eventual confirmation of the crescent will enable the Sultan to officially announce the commencement of Rabi’ al-Thani 1448 AH.

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The directive is expected to mobilise Muslim faithful, traditional rulers and religious authorities across the country for the nationwide crescent-sighting exercise.

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