Sokoto, Nigeria – The Sultanate Council of Sokoto has issued a nationwide call to Nigerian Muslims to be on the lookout for the crescent moon on Thursday, July 24, 2025, which will signal the beginning of Safar 1447 AH.
This date corresponds to the 29th of Muharram, the preceding Islamic month.
Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, underscored the critical role of moon sighting in determining the start of each Islamic lunar month.
In a statement released by the Council, he urged anyone who sights the new moon to immediately report their sighting to their nearest District or Village Head.
This information will then be relayed to the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
The statement concluded with a prayer, "May Allah (SWT) guide us in fulfilling this important religious obligation.”
The appearance of the Safar moon marks the commencement of the second month in the Islamic calendar, following Muharram.