The Sultanate Council has directed Muslims across Nigeria to begin the sighting of the new moon of Sha’aban 1447 AH on Monday, January 19, 2026, ahead of the 2026 Ramadan season.
The directive was contained in a statement signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Prof. Sambo Junaidu, and made available to journalists on Sunday.
According to the statement, Monday corresponds with the 29th day of Rajab 1447 AH, which makes it the appropriate date for observing the crescent moon that will signal the commencement of the Islamic month of Sha’aban.
“The Advisory Committee wishes to inform the Muslim Ummah that the search for the new moon of Sha’aban 1447 AH should commence on Monday, January 19, 2026,” the statement said.
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It explained that the exercise aligns with Islamic tradition and lunar calendar requirements.
Muslims across the country were urged to actively participate in the moon sighting and promptly report any credible sightings 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 (NSCIA).
The committee described the exercise as a religious obligation that requires sincerity and diligence, while also praying for divine guidance and a successful sighting.
“May Allah guide us and grant us success in fulfilling this important religious duty,” the statement added.