Sultanate Council Urges Muslims To Look Out For New Moon

The Sultanate Council has directed the Muslim Ummah to look out for the new moon of Sha’aban 1446 AH on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, corresponding to the 29th day of Rajab 1446 AH in the Islamic calendar.

The council, in a statement signed by Professor Sambo Junaidu, the Waziri of Sokoto and chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, and released to journalists yesterday, urged Muslims nationwide to begin moon sighting and report any sightings to their nearest district or village head.

These reports are to be forwarded to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for official confirmation.

The sighting of the new moon of Sha’aban is a significant Islamic practice, as Sha’aban is the month preceding Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. The declaration of the new moon marks the start of Sha’aban and aids Muslims in preparing for Ramadan.

The statement concluded with a prayer: “May Allah (SWT) help us in the discharge of this religious duty. Amen.”

This announcement reflects the Sultanate Council’s traditional role in issuing moon sighting declarations, which guide Muslims in adhering to Islamic teachings on religious observances.