The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Muslims across Nigeria to begin the search for the crescent moon that will mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan and signal the beginning of Shawwal. According to the statement, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan 1447AH, has been set aside for the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal. “The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, urges Muslims throughout the country to look out for the new moon of Shawwal on Wednesday, March 18, 2026,” the statement said. The sighting of the Shawwal crescent signals the end of the month-long Ramadan fast and heralds the celebration of Eid al-Fitr by Muslims worldwide. The Sultan of Sokoto, who is also the spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria, traditionally announces the beginning and end of Ramadan after verified moon sightings are reported from across the country.

Source: Punch March 17, 2026 14:45 UTC