The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has directed Muslims across the country to search for the new moon of Jumada Assaniya 1448 AH today, 

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Sultanate Council of Sokoto and signed by the Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu.

The statement said today corresponds to the 29th day of Jumada al-Ula 1448 AH and has been designated for the nationwide moon-sighting exercise.

Muslim faithful were urged to look out for the crescent shortly after sunset and report any successful sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for onward transmission to the Sultan.

The Council explained that reports would be verified through recognised traditional institutions before an official announcement on the commencement of the new Islamic month.

Jumada Assaniya, also known as Jumada al-Thani or Jumada al-Akhirah, is the sixth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and follows Jumada al-Ula.

The Sultanate Council called on Muslims to seek Allah’s guidance for a successful exercise and remain attentive to the official announcement on the outcome of the moon sighting.