- Sultan of Sokoto declares Monday, December 22 as first day of Rajab 1447 AH
- No crescent sighted across Nigeria on Saturday
- Sunday marked as 30th day of Jumada Assaniya
- Rajab signals spiritual preparation for Ramadan 2026
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has officially declared Monday, December 22, 2025, as the first day of Rajab 1447 AH, marking a key milestone in preparations for Ramadan 2026 for Muslims across Nigeria.
The declaration was announced in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Junaidu, following consultations by the Sultanate Council.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
According to the statement, the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, working alongside the National Moon Sighting Committee, confirmed that no verified reports of the Rajab crescent were received from moon sighting committees across the country on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
“No report was received confirming the sighting of the crescent of Rajab 1447 AH across the country,” the statement said.
READ ALSO: SERAP Urges Tinubu to Publish Certified Copies of Tax Laws from NASS
As a result, Sunday, December 21, 2025, was observed as the 30th day of Jumada Assaniya 1447 AH, in line with Islamic tradition.
Based on this outcome, the Sultan approved Monday, December 22, 2025, as the official first day of Rajab.
Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the four sacred months during which acts of worship are highly encouraged. It precedes Sha’ban and Ramadan, making it an important period for reflection, repentance, and increased devotion.
Islamic scholars often describe Rajab as a time for spiritual preparation, urging believers to strengthen their faith ahead of the fasting period.
