iDeemlawfulThe Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Abubakar, has announced Monday, December 22, 2025, as the first day of Rajab 1447 AH.
The announcement was conveyed in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Wazirin Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Junaidu.
According to the statement, “The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee, did not receive any report from various moon sighting committees across the country confirming the sighting of the crescent of Rajab 1447 AH on Saturday, 20th December, 2025, equivalent to 29th Jumada Assaniya 1447 AH.
“Therefore, Sunday, 21st December, 2025, will be 30th Jumada Assaniya, 1447 AH.”
The statement added that, in view of this development, the Sultan subsequently approved Monday, December 22, 2025, as the first day of Rajab 1447 AH.
Rajab is the seventh month in the Islamic lunar calendar and comes before Sha‘ban, the eighth month, and Ramadan, the ninth.
It is recognised as one of the four sacred months in Islam, a period during which fighting is prohibited and righteous deeds carry greater reward.
Rajab is also widely regarded as an important period for spiritual readiness ahead of Ramadan, marked by increased devotion, repentance, and reflection in preparation for the holy month.