Sultanate Council urges Muslims to look out for new moon

Abdullateef Fowewe

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

In a statement on Tuesday by the Waziri of Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Junaidu, the council urged Muslims nationwide to begin moon sighting and report any sightings to their nearest District or Village Head, noting that the reports would 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.

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