Sultanate urges Muslims to look for new moon of Sha’aban
The Sultanate Council has called on Muslims to search for the new moon of Sha’aban 1447 AH on Monday, January 19, 2026. This directive was issued by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs. The announcement emphasizes the importance of the crescent sighting in determining the start of the Islamic month. The community is encouraged to report credible sightings to local authorities for onward communication to Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto.
What we know
- The Sultanate Council instructed Muslims to look for the new moon of Sha’aban 1447 AH on Monday, January 19, 2026.
- Prof. Sambo Junaidu signed the notice, representing the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs.
- The crescent sighting will determine the commencement of the Islamic month of Sha’aban.
- Credible moon sightings should be reported to District or Village Heads for transmission to Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
- The Committee described the exercise as a religious responsibility and prayed for divine guidance.
