NEW MOON: SULTAN DECLARES MONDAY AS 1st OF RABI’UL AWWAL 1447AH………
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Monday, 25th August 2025, as the first day of Rabi’ul Awwal 1447 AH in the Islamic calendar.
This follows the report from the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee, which confirmed that no credible sighting of the new crescent was received across Nigeria on Sunday, 24th August 2025.
The statement, signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee, explained that Sunday marked the 30th day of Safar, bringing the month to an end, and ushering in Rabi’ul Awwal on Monday.
Moon sighting, the Council added, is vital in maintaining the accuracy of the Islamic calendar, ensuring unity and uniformity among Muslims across the country, especially during significant months like Ramadan and Dhul Hijjah.