The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs has confirmed that the crescent moon signaling the start of Sha’aban 1446AH was not sighted. Consequently, Thursday, January 30, 2025, will be marked as the 30th day of Rajab 1446AH.
Naija News reports that this announcement, made in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee, holds significance for the Muslim community in Nigeria, as Sha’aban precedes the sacred month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Sambo Wali Junaidu, it was confirmed that no reports of moon sightings were received from committees nationwide.
His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has officially declared Friday, January 31, 2025, as the first day of Sha’aban 1446AH.
The statement emphasized the importance of the declaration in maintaining consistency in the Islamic calendar and guiding religious activities across Nigeria.
The Sultanate Council also encouraged Muslims to adhere to official announcements regarding Islamic dates and begin spiritual preparations for the forthcoming month of Ramadan.