As the Muslim community eagerly awaits the start of Ramadan, the Sultanate Council of Sokoto has urged Muslims nationwide to watch out for the new moon on Friday, February 28, 2025.
It said the new moon falls on 29 Sha’aban, 1446 AH, according to the Islamic calendar.
In a statement on Thursday, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu said moon sighting is important in determining the start of Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual devotion.
The statement reads: “Muslims who sight the crescent are urged to report their observations to their nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto.
“To ensure swift communication, the Sultanate Council has provided designated phone numbers for direct reporting of the moon sighting: 08037157100, 08066303077, 08035965322, 08099945903, and 07067146900.
“May Allah (SWT) help us in the discharge of this religious duty. Amen.”
Persecondnews had reported that the Sultanate Council of Sokoto had previously issued a statement on January 28, 2025, calling on Muslims to look out for the new moon of Sha’aban 1446 AH.
In the statement, Muslims were instructed to begin moon sighting on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, which coincided with the 29th day of Rajab 1446 AH in the Islamic calendar.
The council urged Muslims to report any moon sighting to their nearest District or Village Head, as part of the traditional moon sighting declarations that guide Islamic rites.
The sighting and announcement of the new moon of Sha’aban holds great significance in Islam, marking the beginning of the month preceding Ramadan and allowing Muslims to prepare for the upcoming holy month of fasting.
The council’s announcement underscores its longstanding tradition of declaring moon sightings, providing guidance for Muslims to follow Islamic teachings and observe religious obligations.
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