The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, has officially announced the commencement of the sacred month of Rajab for the Nigerian Muslim community.
Crescent Sighting and Official Declaration
In a statement released on Saturday, December 20, 2025, and signed by the Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Junaidu, the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, alongside the National Moon Sighting Committee, confirmed they did not receive any verified reports of the Rajab crescent being sighted across Nigeria on that day.
Consequently, Sunday, December 21, 2025, was declared the 30th day of Jumada Assaniya 1447 AH. Following this Islamic lunar calendar rule, His Eminence, the Sultan, subsequently approved Monday, December 22, 2025, as the first day of Rajab 1447 AH.
The Significance of Rajab in Islam
Rajab holds a distinguished position as the seventh month in the Islamic Hijri calendar and is one of the four sacred months in Islam. It directly precedes the months of Sha'ban and the holy month of Ramadan.
This period is traditionally marked by increased spiritual reflection, worship, and seeking forgiveness. Muslims across Nigeria and the world use Rajab as a time for spiritual preparation and anticipation for the fasting and heightened devotion of Ramadan.
A Guide for National Unity
The declaration by the Sultan of Sokoto serves a critical role in unifying the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria. By providing a clear, nationally recognized date based on the moon sighting methodology, it ensures Muslims in the country begin and end the sacred months in harmony.
The Sultan, who is the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, continues to guide the community on religious matters through such announcements from the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
