The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims across Nigeria to begin searching for the crescent moon that signals the end of Ramadan and the start of Shawwal.
This directive was contained in a statement released on Tuesday by the Sultanate Council of Sokoto, signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sambo Wali Junaidu.
According to the council, Wednesday, March 18, 2026—corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan 1447AH—has been designated for the sighting of the Shawwal crescent.
The statement urged Muslims nationwide to look out for the new moon and report any verified sighting to their nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultanate Council.
It also advised that credible sightings could be reported directly to the Sultan through designated phone lines provided by the council.
The appearance of the Shawwal moon marks the end of the Ramadan fast and ushers in the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.
As the spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria, the Sultan traditionally announces the beginning and end of Ramadan based on confirmed moon sightings from across the country, which ultimately determines the official date for Eid prayers and festivities.
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