The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared today the first day of Rabi’ul Awwal 1448 AH after the sighting of the new crescent in several parts of Nigeria.
The declaration marks the end of Safar 1448 AH and the beginning of Rabi’ul Awwal, an important month in the Islamic calendar associated with significant events in the life of Prophet Muhammad.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Prof Sambo Wali Junaidu, on behalf of the Sultanate.
According to the statement, credible reports of the new moon were received from authorised moon-sighting committees across the country.
The reports were reviewed and verified by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee before being presented to the Sultan.
“After reviewing and accepting the reports, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar formally approved the commencement of Rabi’ul Awwal 1448 AH,” the statement said.
The crescent was sighted on the 29th day of Safar 1448 AH, confirming the end of the month and paving the way for the new Islamic month.
Rabi’ul Awwal holds particular religious and historical significance for Muslims worldwide. It is traditionally associated with the birth and passing of Prophet Muhammad.
The Sultanate urged Muslims across Nigeria to take note of the declaration and conduct their religious activities in line with the commencement of Rabi’ul Awwal 1448 AH.
The declaration will also guide Islamic scholars, institutions and communities in planning religious activities for the new month.
The Sultan routinely relies on verified moon-sighting reports before declaring the beginning of each Islamic month, reinforcing the traditional process used to determine dates in the Islamic lunar calendar.
