Muslims across Nigeria have been called upon to search for the new moon of Rabi’ul Awwal on Saturday, August 23, 2025, as announced by the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
The call was made in a statement released on Friday by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, who also holds the title of 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.
The council noted that Saturday corresponds to the 29th day of Safar 1447 AH, which is the customary date set aside for the sighting of the moon to mark the beginning of a new Islamic month.
Prof. Junaidu underscored the religious significance of the practice, pointing out that Rabi’ul Awwal holds special meaning as the month in which the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was born.
“This duty requires the collective participation of Muslims, as it determines the start of an important month in the Islamic calendar,” he said.
He further offered prayers for divine assistance in the process: “May Allah (SWT) guide us in the discharge of this religious responsibility.”
The council also stressed the need for prompt reporting of confirmed sightings through local traditional leaders to facilitate swift communication to the Sultanate.
