The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Monday, December 22, 2025, as the first day of Rajab 1447AH.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Wazirin Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Junaidu.
According to the statement, the decision followed the outcome of nationwide moon sighting efforts coordinated by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs and the National Moon Sighting Committee.
“The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee, did not receive any report from the various moon sighting committees across the country confirming the sighting of the crescent of Rajab 1447AH on Saturday, December 20, 2025, equivalent to the 29th day of Jumada Assaniya 1447AH,” the statement said.
It explained that due to the absence of a confirmed crescent sighting, Sunday, December 21, 2025, would complete the month of Jumada Assaniya.
“Therefore, Sunday, December 21, 2025, will be the 30th day of Jumada Assaniya 1447AH,” the statement added.
Based on this development, the Sultan approved Monday, December 22, 2025, as the first day of Rajab 1447AH.
Rajab is the seventh month in the Islamic lunar calendar, coming before Sha‘ban and Ramadan.
It is one of the four sacred months in Islam, traditionally regarded as a period when good deeds are multiplied and acts of worship are especially encouraged.
The month is also seen by many Muslims as a time for spiritual reflection and preparation ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
