The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Muslims across the country to look out for the new moon of Rabi’ul Awwal on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, who also serves as the Wazirin Sokoto.
“Muslims are requested to look out for the new moon of Rabi’ul Awwal on Saturday and report its sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar,” the statement read.
According to the council, Saturday marks the 29th day of Safar 1447 AH, making it the day traditionally set aside for moon sighting to determine the beginning of the next Islamic month.
Prof. Junaidu emphasized the spiritual importance of the exercise, noting that the month of Rabi’ul Awwal is highly significant as it marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad SAW.
“This duty requires the collective participation of Muslims, as it determines the start of an important month in the Islamic calendar,” he said.
He also prayed for divine support in carrying out the exercise: “May Allah (SWT) guide us in the discharge of this religious responsibility.”
The council reiterated that confirmed sightings should be promptly relayed through local traditional authorities to ensure timely communication to the Sultanate.
