Sultan Declares December 22 as Start of Rajab 1447 AH

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Abubakar, has announced Monday, December 22, 2025, as the commencement of Rajab 1447 in the Islamic calendar.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Saturday and endorsed by the Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Junaidu.

The statement explained that the decision followed consultations by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs alongside the National Moon Sighting Committee.

According to the council, reports from moon sighting groups across the country did not confirm the appearance of the new crescent on Saturday, December 20, 2025, corresponding to the 29th day of Jumada Assaniya 1447 AH. As a result, Sunday, December 21, was observed as the 30th day of Jumada Assaniya.

Based on the outcome of the moon sighting exercise, the Sultan approved the commencement of Rajab on Monday, December 22, 2025.

Rajab occupies the seventh position in the Islamic lunar calendar, coming before Sha‘ban and the holy month of Ramadan. It is one of the four months regarded as sacred in Islam, during which acts of violence are prohibited and virtuous deeds carry greater spiritual reward.

The month is widely seen as a period for spiritual renewal and preparation ahead of Ramadan, encouraging Muslims to intensify prayers, seek forgiveness, and engage in self-reflection.