The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs has announced that there have been no confirmed sightings of the crescent moon to mark the beginning of Sha’aban 1446AH.
According to reports, the declaration was made in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee and holds significance for Muslims, as Sha’aban precedes the holy month of Ramadan.
In an official statement, the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Sambo Wali Junaidu, confirmed that no credible moon sighting reports were received from various observation committees across the country.
Consequently, Thursday, January 30, 2025, will be recognized as the 30th day of Rajab 1446AH.
“His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has accepted the report and officially declared Friday, January 31, 2025, as the first day of Sha’aban 1446AH.
“The announcement is significant for the Muslim community, as Sha’aban is the month preceding Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam.
“The declaration ensures uniformity in the Islamic calendar, guiding religious observances across Nigeria,” it added.
The Sultanate Council urged Muslims to rely on official announcements regarding Islamic dates and to begin spiritual preparations for Ramadan.
