Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee, has announced that there were no confirmed reports of the crescent moon sighting marking the beginning of Sha’aban 1446AH.
Wazirin Sokoto, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, stated that no moon sighting reports were received from various nationwide committees.
“As a result, Thursday, January 30, 2025, is observed 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 Sultanate Council also urged Muslims to follow official announcements regarding Islamic dates and to prepare spiritually for the upcoming month of Ramadan.
