•Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar III
The Sultanate Council, Sokoto, has called on Muslim faithfuls in Nigeria to look out for the new moon of Rabi’ul Awwal 1448AH today, Thursday, August 13, 2026.
The council made the call in a statement dated August 12, 2026, signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.
According to the statement, Thursday, August 13, which corresponds to 29th Safar 1448AH, has been designated as the day for Muslims to look for the new moon of Rabi’ul Awwal 1448AH, reports Daily Trust.
The council urged Muslims who sight the moon to report it to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
Rabi’ul Awwal is a significant month in the Islamic calendar, particularly because 12th Rabi’ul Awwal is traditionally observed by many Muslims as the date of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The date is observed by many followers of various Sufi orders and other Muslims through Maulud gatherings, lectures, recitation of the holy Qur”an, praises and other religious activities to commemorate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The Sultanate Council prayed for Allah’s assistance to Muslims in the discharge of the religious duty of moon sighting and for the successful commencement of Rabi’ul Awwal 1448AH.
