The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced that Tuesday, January 20, 2026, will mark the beginning of Sha’aban 1447AH.
Newsonspot reports that the announcement was made in a statement released on Monday, January 19, 2026, by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council.
According to the statement, Monday marked the 29th day of Rajab 1447AH, which is the day traditionally set aside in Islam for the sighting of the new moon that signals the start of Sha’aban.
Sha’aban is the eighth month in the Islamic calendar and comes immediately before the holy month of Ramadan.
Muslims are encouraged during Sha’aban to prepare spiritually for Ramadan through increased prayers, fasting, and acts of devotion, as the holy month follows after 29 or 30 days of Sha’aban.
