The Sultanate Council has directed Muslims across the country to look for the new moon of Sha’aban 1447 AH on Monday, January 19, 2026. This was disclosed in a notice signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Prof. Sambo Junaidu, and made available to PUNCH Online on Sunday. According to the statement issued by the Advisory Committee under the Sultanate Council, Monday corresponds to the 29th day of Rajab 1447 AH, making it the appropriate day for the crescent sighting that will determine the commencement of the Islamic month of Sha’aban. “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 statement read. “May Allah guide us and grant us success in fulfilling this duty,” the statement said.

Source: Punch January 18, 2026 18:53 UTC