The Sultanate Council has directed Muslims across Nigeria to look for the new moon of Sha’aban 1447 AH on Monday, January 19, 2026.
The directive was disclosed in a notice signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Prof. Sambo Junaidu, on Sunday.
According to the statement, Monday corresponds to the 29th day of Rajab 1447 AH, making it the appropriate day for the crescent sighting that will determine the commencement of the Islamic month of Sha’aban.
“The Committee wishes to inform the Muslim Ummah that the search for the new moon of Sha’aban 1447 AH should commence on Monday,” the statement read. “This date corresponds to the 29th of Rajab 1447 AH, in line with Islamic tradition.”
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Muslims were encouraged to actively participate in the sighting exercise and to report any credible observations to the nearest District or Village Head for onward transmission to His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
“We urge all faithful to report any credible moon sighting to the appropriate authorities,” the Committee said, describing the exercise as “a religious responsibility that requires diligence.”
The Advisory Committee also prayed for a successful moon-sighting exercise and divine guidance for the Muslim community. “May Allah guide us and grant us success in fulfilling this duty,” the statement added.