- The crescent moon marking Sha’aban 1446AH was not sighted, leading to the declaration of January 31, 2025, as its first day
- The Sultan of Sokoto urges Muslims to prepare spiritually for Ramadan and follow official announcements regarding Islamic dates
The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs has announced that the crescent moon marking the beginning of Sha’aban 1446AH was not sighted.
The announcement, made in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee, holds significance for Muslims, as Sha’aban is the month preceding Ramadan.
According to a statement signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, no confirmed moon sightings were reported nationwide.
“As a result, Thursday, January 30, 2025, will be 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 declaration ensures uniformity in the Islamic calendar, guiding religious observances across Nigeria.
The Sultanate Council also urged Muslims to follow official announcements regarding Islamic dates and to begin spiritual preparations for Ramadan.