Sha’aban moon sighting announced by Sultanate Council for January 19, 2026, urging Muslims to report new crescent observations

The Sultanate Council has instructed Muslims across Nigeria to search for the new moon of Sha’aban 1447 AH on Monday, January 19, 2026, marking the commencement of the Islamic month.

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The directive was contained in a notice signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Prof. Sambo Junaidu.

The statement explained that Monday corresponds to the 29th day of Rajab 1447 AH, making it the appropriate day for crescent sighting in line with Islamic tradition.

“The Committee wishes to inform the Muslim Ummah that the search for the new moon of Sha’aban 1447 AH should commence on Monday,” the notice read.

“This date corresponds to the 29th of Rajab 1447 AH, in line with Islamic tradition.”

Muslims were urged to actively participate in the moon-sighting exercise and report any credible observations to the nearest District or Village Head for onward transmission to His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.

The Advisory Committee described the crescent sighting as “a religious responsibility that requires diligence” and prayed for divine guidance and a successful exercise.

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“May Allah guide us and grant us success in fulfilling this duty,” the statement concluded.