Ramadan: Sultan announces Friday as first day of Sha’aban after moon sighting reports

The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in partnership with the National Moon Sighting Committee, has declared that the crescent moon marking the beginning of Sha’aban 1446AH was not sighted.

Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, confirmed that no verified moon sighting reports were received from committees across the country.

“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 council emphasized the importance of Sha’aban as the month preceding Ramadan and encouraged Muslims to rely on official announcements for Islamic calendar dates while spiritually preparing for the holy month.