Sultan of Sokoto Calls for Crescent Sighting for Zul-Hijjah

On Thursday, April 17, 2026, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, issued a statement through the chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, Sambo Junaidu. The statement calls on Muslims across Nigeria to look for the new crescent moon that marks the beginning of Zul-Hijjah 1447AH, which is expected to be sighted on Friday, April 17, 2026.

The Sultan emphasized the importance of this exercise in determining the commencement of the new Islamic month and urged Muslims to participate diligently. He requested that any sighting of the crescent be reported to the nearest district or village head, who would then communicate the sighting to the Sultan.

The statement highlights the communal aspect of this religious observance and solicits cooperation among the Muslim community.