Sultan of Sokoto Declares Monday, August 25, 2025, as First Day of Rabi’ul Awwal 1447AH

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, has declared Monday, August 25, 2025, as the first day of Rabi’ul Awwal 1447AH.

This followed the official announcement by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moonsighting Committee, that no credible report of the sighting of the new crescent was received from any part of the country on Saturday, August 23, 2025, which corresponds to the 29th of Safar 1447AH.

In a statement signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Waziri Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, the Council confirmed that since the crescent of Rabi’ul Awwal was not sighted, Sunday, August 24, 2025, will complete the 30th day of Safar 1447AH. Consequently, Monday, August 25, 2025, will officially mark the beginning of the Islamic month of Rabi’ul Awwal 1447AH.

The declaration is in line with Islamic tradition, which stipulates that when the new crescent is not sighted on the 29th day, the current month must be completed as 30 days before the new month begins.

Rabi’ul Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds significant importance for Muslims worldwide, as it is the month in which the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is commemorated.