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 look out for the new moon of Jumada Assaniya 1448 AH on Monday ( Today ) November 9, 2026.

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, who is also the Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs.

According to the statement, Monday, November 9, corresponds to the 29th day of Jumada al-Ula 1448 AH and has been designated for the nationwide crescent-sighting exercise to determine the commencement of the new Islamic month.

The Sultanate Council urged Muslim faithful across Nigeria to actively participate in the exercise by looking out for the crescent moon after sunset on Monday.

It further directed anyone who successfully sights the new moon to report the observation to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultan.

The statement emphasised the importance of transmitting moon-sighting reports through recognised traditional institutions to ensure that observations are properly communicated and verified before an official announcement is made.

The Sultan, who plays a central role in coordinating Islamic moon-sighting declarations in Nigeria, is expected to make the necessary announcement following the receipt and confirmation of credible reports from across the country.

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 Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, with each month beginning with the sighting of the new crescent moon. Consequently, the commencement of Islamic months is determined by moon-sighting observations rather than fixed dates in the Gregorian calendar.

The Sultanate Council also called on Muslims to seek Allah’s guidance and assistance in fulfilling the religious responsibility, while praying for a successful exercise.

Muslim faithful have therefore been urged to remain attentive to official announcements from the Sultanate Council regarding the outcome of Monday’s moon-sighting exercise.