The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on Muslims across the country to begin the search for the new moon of Zulki’ida 1446 AH from Sunday, 29th of Sha’aban, 1446 AH, which corresponds to April 28, 2025.
In a statement issued by the Sultanate Council on Saturday in Sokoto, the spiritual leader of Nigeria’s Muslims urged faithful observers to actively participate in the moon-sighting exercise and promptly report their findings to designated local authorities.
“The Sultan urges all Muslim Ummah to look for the crescent of Zulki’ida on Sunday and report any positive sighting to the nearest district or village head for onward communication to the Sultanate Council,” the statement read.
Moon sighting remains a deeply rooted Islamic tradition that determines the commencement of each lunar month in the Islamic calendar. Zulki’ida is the eleventh month of the Islamic year and holds significant religious importance, particularly as it precedes the Hajj season and the sacred month of Zul-Hijjah.
The Sultanate noted that credible moon sighting reports could also be submitted to national moon sighting committees, Islamic scholars, or directly to the Sultanate Council through officially recognized communication channels.
The announcement aligns with established Islamic practice, where the beginning of each month is traditionally marked by the visual sighting of the crescent moon rather than astronomical calculations alone. In Nigeria, the Sultanate plays a central role in confirming moon sightings and making official declarations on behalf of the Muslim community.
Muslims across the country have been urged to observe the exercise with sincerity, patience, and adherence to the principles laid down by Islamic jurisprudence.
The moon sighting for Zulki’ida is particularly significant this year as preparations for the 2025 Hajj season intensify. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has already finalized arrangements for the transportation of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, with the first set of flights expected to commence shortly after the lunar confirmations.
The Sultan prayed for peace, unity, and divine blessings for Nigeria, especially as the nation continues to grapple with social and economic challenges.