Sultan Declares Tuesday, June 16, as First Day of Muharram 1448AH

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, as the first day of Muharram 1448AH, marking the commencement of the Islamic New Year.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Monday by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu.

According to the statement, the declaration followed the sighting and verification of the new moon of Muharram in accordance with Islamic tradition.

The Sultan congratulated Muslims across Nigeria and around the world on the beginning of the new Islamic calendar year and urged the faithful to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, security, and prosperity in the country.

Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam and marks the beginning of the Hijri calendar, which commemorates the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Makkah to Madinah.

GaskiyaCast reports that Muslims across the country are expected to observe the new year with prayers, reflection, and acts of worship.