JUST IN: Sultan of Sokoto Declares January 20 as First Day of Sha’aban 1447AH

By Tgnews Reporter

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has officially declared Tuesday, January 20, 2026, as the first day of Sha’aban 1447AH.

The announcement, contained in a statement released on Monday, January 19, 2026, by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, follows the traditional moon-sighting exercise conducted nationwide on the 29th day of Rajab 1447AH, which corresponded to Monday, January 19.

This declaration aligns with the Islamic lunar calendar and confirms the successful sighting of the new crescent moon marking the transition from Rajab to Sha’aban. The Sultan had previously set Monday, December 22, 2025, as the commencement of Rajab 1447AH, ensuring consistency in the calendar progression.

Sha’aban, the eighth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar, holds special significance for Muslims as it immediately precedes the holy month of Ramadan. It is a time traditionally devoted to increased worship, supplication, forgiveness, and spiritual reflection in anticipation of the fasting period.

In his message, the Sultan urged the Muslim Ummah across Nigeria to embrace the month with renewed devotion, fervent prayers for peace, unity, and blessings, and continued obedience to Allah.

He emphasized the importance of using this period to strengthen faith and prepare hearts for the arrival of Ramadan, often expressed in the common supplication: “Allahumma ballighna Ramadan” (O Allah, grant us the blessing of reaching Ramadan).

The announcement has been widely welcomed by Muslim communities, with many expressing gratitude for the clarity provided by the Sultanate Council’s moon-sighting process, which remains the authoritative reference for Islamic dates in Nigeria.

As Sha’aban begins, attention now turns toward the next critical moon-sighting exercise for Ramadan 1447AH, expected in approximately one lunar month.