The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar, who also serves as the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has called on Muslims across the country to observe the crescent of Rajab 1446 AH from Tuesday.
This announcement was made in a statement issued on Monday by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs under the Sultanate Council in Sokoto.
“The Muslim community is hereby informed that Tuesday, December 31, 2024, corresponding to the 29th day of Jumada As-Sani 1446 AH, is designated as the day for sighting the new crescent of Rajab 1446 AH,” the statement read.
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Muslims were encouraged to diligently watch for the new moon and report any sightings to the nearest District or Village Head for immediate communication to the Sultanate Council.
In his message, the Sultan offered prayers for divine guidance and blessings upon the Muslim Ummah as they continue to carry out their religious duties.
The News Agency of Nigeria highlighted that Rajab is the seventh month in the Islamic lunar calendar and holds significant importance as one of Islam’s four sacred months, during which fighting is strictly prohibited.
Additionally, Rajab, alongside Sha’aban, is considered a time for spiritual preparation leading up to Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is also traditionally associated with the birth of Ali Ibn Abi Talib, the fourth Rashidun Caliph.
