Sultan urges Muslims to look for Shawwal crescent on Wednesday

Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has called on Muslims across Nigeria to begin the search for the crescent moon that will signal the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the commencement of Shawwal.

This was conveyed in a statement issued to newsmen on Tuesday by the Sultanate Council Sokoto and signed by its Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sambo Wali Junaidu.

“Wednesday, March 18, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan 1447AH, has been designated for the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal.

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“The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs urges Muslims across the country to look out for the new moon of Shawwal on Wednesday,” the statement said.

It added that any Muslim who sights the crescent should promptly report the development to the nearest District or Village Head, who will in turn communicate the information to the Sultan for official confirmation.

The council also provided dedicated telephone lines through which credible moon sightings can be reported directly to the Sultan’s office. The numbers are 0803 715 7100, 0806 630 3077, 0803 596 5322, 0803 594 5903, and 0706 714 6900.

The sighting of the Shawwal crescent marks the end of Ramadan fasting and heralds the celebration of Eid al‑Fitr by Muslims worldwide. If the moon is sighted, the Sultan—who serves as the spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria—will formally announce the end of Ramadan and declare the date for the Eid celebration.