Sokoto, Nigeria — The Sultanate Council, Sokoto State Chapter, has called on Muslims across the country to actively search for the new moon marking the beginning of Rabi’ul Awwal 1448 AH on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

The council stated that Thursday, August 13, 2026, corresponds to the 29th day of Safar 1448 AH. Muslims who sight the crescent moon are urged to report their findings to the nearest traditional authorities.

This directive was communicated in a statement dated August 12 and signed by Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs for the Sultanate Council. The reported sightings are to be relayed to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, who also serves as the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).

The statement explicitly requested Muslims to begin their observation for the new moon on Thursday. It further detailed the reporting process, emphasizing that sightings should be communicated to the nearest District or Village Head for onward transmission to His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

The council concluded with a prayer for divine assistance in fulfilling this religious obligation, stating, “May Allah (SWT) help us in the discharge of this religious duty, amen.”