The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Muslims to look for the Shawwal crescent.
The moon sighting will determine the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the Shawwal month.
The Sultan is also President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
This directive was contained in a statement issued by the Sultanate Council in Sokoto.
The statement was signed by Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs.
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According to the statement, Wednesday March 18, 2026 corresponds to the 29th day of Ramadan.
Muslims across Nigeria were therefore asked to begin searching for the new crescent of Shawwal.
The council urged anyone who sights the moon to report the information immediately.
Confirmed sightings should be communicated to the nearest district head or village head.
Traditional leaders will then relay the information to the Sultan for official verification.
The Sultan’s office also provided telephone numbers for reporting credible moon sightings.
Officials said verified reports would help determine the official announcement of Eid celebrations.
