By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on Muslims across Nigeria to observe the crescent moon on Wednesday, which will mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal 1447 AH.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Sultanate Council of Sokoto. The statement was signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu.
According to the directive, the crescent moon should be sought on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, which corresponds to the 29th day of Ramadan.
“The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, urges the Muslim Ummah across the country to look out for the new moon of Shawwal 1447AH on Wednesday, March 18, 2026,” the statement read.
The Sultanate Council outlined the procedure for reporting sightings, urging anyone who spots the crescent with the naked eye or through binoculars to report their observation to the nearest District or Village Head. These local authorities are then responsible for relaying the information up the chain to the Sultanate Council for official verification and announcement.
To facilitate direct and swift reporting, the council has also designated specific telephone lines for credible sightings to be reported to the Sultan’s office. The dedicated lines are: 0803 715 7100, 0806 630 3077, 0803 596 5322, 0803 594 5903, and 0706 714 6900.
The sighting of the Shawwal crescent traditionally signals the conclusion of the 29 or 30-day Ramadan fast and heralds the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.
As the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, the Sultan will make the official declaration for the end of Ramadan following the receipt and confirmation of these sighting reports from across the nation. This announcement will subsequently determine the date for the nationwide Eid-el-Fitr prayers and festivities.
