• The Sultan of Sokoto has called on Nigerian Muslims to look out for the Dhū al-Qaʿdah1447AH crescent on Friday, April 17, 2026, which corresponds to the 29th day of Shawwal 1447AH
• Muslims who sight the moon are to report to District or Village Heads as verified reports will help determine the beginning of Zulki’ida
• The Sultanate Council urged the Nigerian Muslims to participate diligently

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims across Nigeria to look out for the new crescent marking the beginning of Dhū al-Qaʿdah 1447AH.

The Sultan, who is also the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, made the appeal ahead of Friday’s expected moon sighting.

The directive was contained in a statement released on Thursday, April 16, by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Sambo Junaidu.

According to the statement, Friday, April 17, 2026, which corresponds to the 29th day of Shawwal 1447AH, has been set aside for the sighting of the new moon.

“The Sultan has directed Muslims across the country to look out for the new moon of Dhū al-Qaʿdah on Friday,” Junaidu said.

He explained that the moon sighting exercise is important because it determines the official beginning of the new Islamic month.

Junaidu also urged anyone who sights the crescent to pass the information through the appropriate traditional authorities for onward communication to the Sultan.

“Any person who sights the crescent is requested to report such information to the nearest District or Village Head,” he stated.

The statement added that the cooperation of Muslims across the country is essential to ensure a successful and accurate moon sighting process.

It further urged Muslims to take the exercise seriously and participate diligently, as the commencement of Dhū al-Qaʿdah depends on verified reports from different locations.

“The cooperation of all Muslims in this regard is highly solicited,” it added.

Sultan confirms moon sighting, declares Wednesday the first day of Ramadan

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III, had confirmed that Wednesday, February 18, 2026, will mark the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

According to the Sultan, the crescent moon was sighted in nearly every part of Nigeria on Tuesday, February 17, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Sha’aban, signalling that Wednesday will be the first day of Ramadan 1447.