Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar has officially announced the sighting of the Dhul-Hijjah crescent moon, confirming that Monday, May 18, 2026, marks the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah 1447AH in the Islamic calendar.
The announcement came after the crescent was sighted and was conveyed in a statement issued by Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Wazirin Sokoto and chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sokoto Sultanate Council.
According to the statement, the moon sighting officially signals the commencement of Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, regarded as one of the holiest periods in Islam.
Eid al-Adha date announced
The Sultanate Council explained that the sacred month is significant because it coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage and the celebration of Eid al-Adha.
The statement read:
“With this declaration, Muslims in Nigeria and beyond will begin preparations for the sacred rites and celebrations associated with Zulhijja, including the Eid Al Adha festival, which is expected to fall on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (10th Dhul Hijja), subject to confirmation.”
Check out a tweet by the National Moonsighting Committee of Nigeria regarding the commencement of the new month of Dhul Hijjah below:
Assalamu alaikum,H.E the Sultan of Sokoto has declared tomorrow Monday 18th May as the first day of Dhul Hijjah.
The Sultanate Council will release an official statement shortly.— National Moonsighting Committee Nigeria (@moonsightingng) May 17, 2026
Muslims urged to pray for Nigeria
The Council encouraged the Muslim Ummah to use the spiritual season for prayers, reflection, and renewed devotion, while also praying for peace, unity, and prosperity in Nigeria.
It also advised Nigerians to rely only on official communications from the Sultanate Council and recognised Islamic authorities for updates concerning the observance of the season.
