By Achile Danjuma
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Muslims across Nigeria to begin the search for the crescent moon that will mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan and signal the beginning of Shawwal.
The call was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Sultanate Council of Sokoto and signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sambo Wali Junaidu.
According to the statement, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan 1447AH, has been set aside for the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal.
“The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, urges Muslims throughout the country to look out for the new moon of Shawwal on Wednesday, March 18, 2026,” the statement said.
It added that any Muslim who sights the crescent should report the sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultanate Council for confirmation.
“Muslims who sight the new moon should report the sighting to the nearest District or Village Head, who will in turn communicate the information to His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, for further announcement,” the statement added.
The council also provided dedicated telephone lines for reporting credible moon sightings directly to the Sultan’s office. The numbers are 0803 715 7100, 0806 630 3077, 0803 596 5322, 0803 594 5903 and 0706 714 6900.
The sighting of the Shawwal crescent signals the end of the month-long Ramadan fast and heralds the celebration of Eid al-Fitr by Muslims worldwide.
The Sultan of Sokoto, who is also the spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria, traditionally announces the beginning and end of Ramadan after verified moon sightings are reported from across the country.
The announcement determines the official date for Eid al-Fitr prayers and celebrations nationwide.