The Sultanate Council of Sokoto has urged the Muslim Ummah to watch for the new moon of Sha’aban 1446 AH on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, which corresponds to the 29th day of Rajab 1446 AH on the Islamic calendar.
The council advised Muslims globally to begin moon seeing and report any sightings to their local District or Village Head, according to a statement signed by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, the Waziri of Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, and issued to journalists on Tuesday.
These reports will be forwarded to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for official approval.
The observation of the new moon of Sha’aban is a major Islamic practice, because Sha’aban is the month preceding Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. The new moon declaration marks the beginning of Sha’aban and helps Muslims prepare for Ramadan.
The statement ended with a prayer: “May Allah (SWT) help us in the discharge of this religious duty. Amen.”
The Sultanate Council’s traditional role in issuing moon sighting declarations guides Muslims in adhering to Islamic teachings on religious observances.
The Muslim community is encouraged to stay updated through local religious leaders and official Sultanate Council announcements.