Sultan of Sokoto Calls on Muslims to Spot Shawwal Crescent Moon

Our Editor

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Muslims across Nigeria to begin searching for the crescent moon that will signal the end of Ramadan and the start of Shawwal.

According to a statement from the Sultanate Council, signed by the Wazirin Sokoto, Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the 29th day of Ramadan 1447 AH, has been designated for the moon sighting.

“The Sultan of Sokoto calls on Muslims nationwide to look out for the new moon of Shawwal on Wednesday, March 18, 2026,” the statement read.

Muslims who sight the crescent are encouraged to report it to their local district or village heads, who will then relay the information to the Sultanate Council for verification.

The council has provided the following phone lines for direct reports: 08037157100, 08066303077, 08035965322, 08035945903, and 07067146900.

The confirmed sighting of the Shawwal moon marks the end of Ramadan fasting and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr celebrations nationwide.

As Nigeria’s highest Muslim spiritual authority, the Sultan officially declares the start and end of Ramadan after confirming moon sightings from across the country