Trending 
The Sultanate Council has directed Muslims across Nigeria to look out for the new moon marking the beginning of Sha’aban 1447 AH on Monday, January 19, 2026.
The instruction appeared in a statement signed on Sunday by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Junaidu. The council explained that the date coincides with the 29th day of Rajab 1447 AH, the prescribed period for sighting the moon to determine the start of Sha’aban.
The committee urged the Muslim Ummah to begin the moon-sighting exercise on Monday in accordance with Islamic tradition. It encouraged worshippers to actively participate and to report any confirmed sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who is also the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
The council described moon sighting as a religious duty that requires diligence and accuracy. It also offered prayers for a successful exercise and sought divine guidance for the Muslim community.
