The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Monday, March 15, as the first day of Sha’aban 1442AH.
Sha’aban 1442AH, also known as the Hijri Calendar 1442, started after the Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina to escape persecution.
It is the beginning of each month is contingent on the visibility of the moon at the end of the previous month.
Once the moon is sighted, the new month commences. Each month starts with a new lunar cycle.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Abubakar made the declaration in a statement 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 Moonsighting Committee did not receive any report confirming the sighting of the crescent.
“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,” the statement reads.
Sha’aban is the eighth month of the Islamic calendar, which comes before the compulsory fasting month of Ramadan.
Sha’aban is the last lunar month before Ramadan used by Muslims to determine the first day of fasting.
