Sha’aban: Sultan Issues New Directive To All Muslims After Sunset

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, has called upon Muslims across Nigeria to watch for the crescent moon of Sha’aban 1445AH after sunset on Saturday, the 29th of Rajab, 1445AH (February 10, 2024), in preparation for the upcoming Ramadan fasting season.

Issuing the directive on behalf of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, Prof Salisu Shehu, the Deputy Secretary-General of the NSCIA, explained in a statement that scientifically, the anticipated time for the moon’s conjunction is on Friday, February 9, 2024, at 11:59 pm.

He emphasized the significance of understanding that the moon typically becomes visible and can be sighted considerably later, even after the conjunction has occurred, taking into account various environmental factors.

As Sha’aban marks the eighth month in the lunar calendar, its sighting indicates that Ramadan, the ninth lunar month, is approximately a month away this year.