The Sultan of Sokoto and the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared today, Monday, March 15, as the first day of Sha’aban 1442AH.
Naija News reports that the Sultan made the declaration in a statement on Sunday by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.
“Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in Conjunction with the National Moon-sighting Committee did not receive any report confirming the sighting of the crescent,” the statement reads.
“This is for the new moon of Sha’aban 1442AH on Saturday March 13, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Rajab 1442AH.
“Therefore, Sunday March 14, will be 30th day of Rajab 1442AH.
“The Sultan has accepted the report, and accordingly declared Monday March 15, as the first day of Sha’aban 1442AH.”
According to NAN, Sha’aban is the eighth month of the Islamic calendar which comes before the compulsory fasting month of Ramadan.