The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Monday, December 22, 2025, as the first day of Rajab 1447 AH.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Wazirin Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Junaidu.
It followed consultations by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs and the National Moon Sighting Committee.
According to the statement, no credible report confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon of Rajab on Saturday, December 20, 2025, corresponding to the 29th of Jumada Assaniya 1447 AH.
“Therefore, Sunday, December 21, 2025, will be the 30th day of Jumada Assaniya,” the statement said.
Based on this, the Sultan approved Monday, December 22, 2025, as the commencement of Rajab.
Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the four sacred months in Islam, during which fighting is forbidden and acts of worship are highly rewarded.
It is also regarded as a period of spiritual reflection and preparation ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
