The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced that Monday, December 22, 2025, will mark the first day of Rajab 1447 AH.
The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Wazirin Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Junaidu.
The statement explained that the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, working together with the National Moon Sighting Committee, did not receive any verified report of the sighting of the Rajab crescent moon on Saturday, December 20, 2025. That date was the 29th day of Jumada Assaniya 1447 AH. 
Because the moon was not sighted, Sunday, December 21, 2025, was observed as the 30th day of Jumada Assaniya. This made it necessary to fix Monday, December 22, 2025, as the first day of Rajab 1447 AH.
Rajab is the seventh month in the Islamic lunar calendar. It comes before Sha‘ban and the holy month of Ramadan. The month is recognised as one of the four sacred months in Islam.
During Rajab, Muslims are encouraged to increase good deeds and acts of worship. The period is also commonly regarded as a time for spiritual reflection and preparation ahead of Ramadan.
