By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
SOKOTO: The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Friday, August 14, 2026, as the first day of Rabi’ul Awwal 1448 AH, following the confirmed sighting of the new crescent across several parts of Nigeria.
The declaration brings the Islamic calendar into a new month of profound religious significance for Muslims in Nigeria and marks the commencement of Rabi’ul Awwal, the month traditionally associated with the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, on behalf of the Sultanate.
According to the statement, the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, working in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee, received credible reports confirming the sighting of the new moon of Rabi’ul Awwal 1448 AH on Thursday, August 13.
The sighting was recorded on Thursday, which corresponded with the 29th day of Safar 1448 AH, thereby signalling the end of Safar and the commencement of the new Islamic month.
The statement said the reports were received from various authorised moon-sighting committees across the country and subjected to the necessary religious verification before being presented to the Sultan for consideration.
After reviewing and accepting the reports, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar formally approved the commencement of Rabi’ul Awwal 1448 AH from Friday, August 14.
The Sultan’s declaration is expected to guide Muslims nationwide in determining the appropriate dates for religious observances and activities associated with the new Islamic month.
Rabi’ul Awwal holds a special place in the Islamic calendar, particularly for its historical and spiritual significance to Muslims worldwide. It is widely associated with major events in the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), including his birth and passing.
The Sultan, as the spiritual leader of Nigeria’s Muslim community and the country’s recognised authority on matters concerning the Islamic lunar calendar, routinely relies on verified moon-sighting reports before announcing the start of each new Islamic month.
The latest declaration therefore underscores the importance attached to the traditional and religious process of moon sighting in determining dates in the Islamic calendar.
The Sultanate Council urged Muslims to take note of the declaration and conduct their religious activities in accordance with the commencement of Rabi’ul Awwal 1448 AH.
The announcement also provides the necessary religious framework for Islamic scholars, institutions, communities and individuals across Nigeria to plan activities associated with the new month.
With the declaration, Friday, August 14, 2026, officially becomes 1 Rabi’ul Awwal 1448 AH in Nigeria, following the confirmed crescent sighting and the Sultan’s acceptance of the reports.
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