By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has declared Sunday, 13th September, 2026 as the first day of Rabiu Assani 1448AH.
This is contained in a statement signed by Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs and Wazirin Sokoto.
The statement says, the declaration followed the absence of any credible report confirming the sighting of the new Crescent on Friday, 11th September, 2026.
It explains that the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moonsighting Committee, did not receive any report from the various Moonsighting Committees across the Country confirming the sighting of the Crescent of Rabiu Assani 1448AH.
It adds that Friday, 11th September, 2026, corresponded to the 29th of Rabiu Awwal 1448AH, while Saturday, 12th September, is consequently the 30th of Rabiu Awwal 1448AH.
According to the statement, the Sultan accepted the report and accordingly declared Sunday, 13th September, 2026, as the first day of Rabiu Assani 1448AH.
