The Sultan of Sokoto has called on Muslims across Nigeria to look out for the Muharram crescent moon on Monday, June 15, 2026, to determine the beginning of the Islamic New Year, 1448AH.

In a statement issued by the Sokoto Sultanate Council, Muslims were urged to observe the sky after sunset and report any confirmed sighting through district and village heads for onward communication to the Sultan.

The moon-sighting exercise is used to establish the start of a new month in the Islamic calendar. Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year, is regarded as one of Islam’s four sacred months and marks the beginning of the new Islamic calendar year.

The Sultanate Council is expected to announce the official start of Muharram after receiving and verifying reports from across the country.