The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced Tuesday, January 20, 2026, as the first day of Sha’aban 1447AH.
The declaration was made in a statement released on Monday, January 19, 2026, by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.
The statement noted that Monday corresponds to the 29th day of Rajab 1447AH, the traditional day for sighting the crescent that marks the beginning of Sha’aban.
Sha’aban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar, precedes the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims are encouraged to prepare spiritually over 29 or 30 days.
In a related matter, the Sultan recently reiterated that Sharia law applies only to Muslims and should not be imposed on Christians. Speaking at the 2025 triennial meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja, themed “Collaboration of Inter-Religious Council with Government to Promote Peace in Nigeria,” he emphasized Nigeria’s multi-religious nature.
Abubakar explained that the government does not favor Islam or Christianity as a state religion, but supports both religions equally. He advised that non-Muslims should not be compelled to dress or pray according to Islamic practices, stressing that Sharia law is exclusively for Muslims.