Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, said Tuesday, June 16, 2026, is the first day of the Islamic New Year [1].

The announcement establishes the beginning of Muharram 1448 AH and triggers a public holiday in Sokoto State [1, 2]. This observance serves as a critical religious and cultural marker for millions of Muslims across Nigeria, aligning the regional calendar with the lunar cycle.

The Sultan, who also serves as the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, said the announcement on Monday, June 15, 2026 [2]. The designation of June 16 [1] as the official start of the new year follows traditional moon-sighting practices used to determine the Islamic lunar calendar.

Sokoto State officials confirmed the public holiday for June 16 [2]. The day is intended to provide a period of reflection and peace for the community, a priority for leadership amid ongoing security concerns in the region [2, 3].

Religious leaders across the state are expected to lead prayers and community gatherings to mark the transition into 1448 AH. The celebration focuses on spiritual renewal and the hope for stability within the Nigerian state and the broader Muslim community [3].

“Tuesday, June 16, 2026, marks the start of Muharram 1448 AH.”

The Sultan of Sokoto's declaration is the authoritative signal for the start of the Islamic year in Nigeria. By pairing the religious milestone with a public holiday and a call for peace, the leadership is attempting to leverage a spiritual occasion to foster social cohesion and stability in a region frequently impacted by security volatility.