According to Vanguard, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, has called on Muslims to begin searching for the new moon of Zulqa'ada from Wednesday, May 8, 2024, which corresponds to 29th Shawwal 1445 AH. As the President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria, the Sultan's announcement was made through a statement issued by Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Sultanate Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs.
Muslims are requested to report any sightings of the new moon to the nearest District Head, who will then communicate the information to the Sultanate Council. The statement emphasized that Wednesday, May 8, marks the beginning of the search for the new moon, which signals the start of the month of Zulqa'ada. The Sultan's call is a significant announcement for Muslims in Nigeria, who rely on the lunar calendar to determine important dates and events in the Islamic faith.