Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, through the Sultanate Council in Sokoto State, has urged Muslims across Nigeria to look for the Rabi’ul Awwal moon on Thursday, August 13, 2026, marking the expected end of Safar 1448 AH.

The call was contained in a statement dated Wednesday, August 12, and signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council.

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According to the council, Thursday corresponds to the 29th day of Safar 1448 AH and has therefore been designated as the day for Muslims to search for the crescent of Rabi’ul Awwal 1448 AH.

The council urged Muslims who sight the crescent to promptly report the observation through recognised traditional authorities.

“This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Thursday 13th August, 2026, which is equivalent to 29th day of Safar 1448AH shall be the day to look for the new moon of Rabiul Awwal 1448AH,” the statement said.

Muslims who observe the crescent have been asked to report the sighting to their nearest district or village head.

The information will then be communicated through the traditional leadership structure to Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who also serves as President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.

The process reflects the established importance of lunar observation in determining the beginning of Islamic months.

Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar follows the phases of the moon. Each month begins with the sighting of a new crescent, although astronomical calculations can also provide information about the expected lunar cycle.

The Rabi’ul Awwal moon carries particular religious significance for Muslims because Rabi’ul Awwal is the third month of the Islamic calendar.

The month is especially associated with the life and legacy of Prophet Muhammad, although Muslims and Islamic communities differ in how they mark significant dates associated with the month.

The Sultanate Council’s announcement therefore provides an important reference point for Muslims awaiting confirmation of the new Islamic month.

The council specifically encouraged active participation in the moon-sighting exercise rather than leaving the responsibility solely to religious authorities.

Any reported sighting will be subject to the established process before the beginning of Rabi’ul Awwal is formally announced by the Sultanate.

The announcement also comes as the Sultanate Council continues its role in coordinating religious affairs and communicating key Islamic dates to Muslims across Nigeria.

The council concluded its message with a prayer for divine assistance in carrying out the religious responsibility.

“May Allah (SWT) help us in the discharge of this religious duty, amen,” the statement said.

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For Muslims across Nigeria, Thursday’s crescent search will therefore be an important moment in confirming the transition from Safar 1448 AH to Rabi’ul Awwal 1448 AH.