The Sultanate Council has directed Muslims across Nigeria to begin the sighting of the new moon of Sha’aban 1446 AH on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, which corresponds to the 29th day of Rajab 1446 AH in the Islamic calendar.
The directive, conveyed in a statement by Professor Sambo Junaidu, Waziri of Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, urged Muslims to report any sightings to their nearest District or Village Head. These reports will then be forwarded to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for official confirmation.
The sighting of the new moon signals the beginning of Sha’aban, the month preceding Ramadan, and helps Muslims prepare for the holy month of fasting. The statement concluded with a prayer: “May Allah (SWT) help us in the discharge of this religious duty. Amen.”
