The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Muslims across Nigeria to participate in the sighting of the new crescent moon of Jumadal Ula 1448 AH.

The exercise was scheduled for Sunday, October 11, corresponding to the 29th day of Rabi’us Thani 1448 AH in the Islamic lunar calendar.

The directive was conveyed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, who chairs the Sultanate Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs.

The Sultan asked Muslims nationwide to observe the western horizon after sunset for any possible sighting of the new crescent.

He directed anyone who sights the moon to report the observation promptly to the nearest district head or village head for onward communication to the Sultan.

The process is intended to ensure that reports are channelled through recognised traditional and religious leadership structures for verification before an official announcement is made.

The sighting of the new moon is an established Islamic practice used to determine the beginning of lunar months and the dates of religious observances. The commencement of Jumadal Ula will depend on the outcome of the exercise and confirmation by the appropriate religious authorities.

The Sultanate Council called for cooperation among Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, community leaders and Muslims across the country to ensure an orderly and credible reporting process.

It also urged the faithful to follow official communications after the exercise for confirmation of the beginning of Jumadal Ula 1448 AH.

The Sultan plays a central role in coordinating national moon-sighting announcements that guide Muslims in observing the Islamic calendar.