– Muslim News advocates unity under Sultan’s leadership ahead of the holy month
As Ramadan draws closer with the commencement of Sha’aban 1447AH, Muslim News Nigeria calls on Muslims across the country to remain united under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar (CFR, mni), the spiritual head of Muslims in Nigeria and President-General of the NSCIA, in the collective preparation for the holy month
The spiritual head of Nigerian Muslims, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who is also the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has declared Tuesday, January 20, 2026, as the first day of Sha’aban 1447AH.
The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Monday night, January 19, 2026, from the Sultanate Council, Sokoto, and signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council.
The statement explained that the decision followed the outcome of the national moon-sighting exercise, confirming the sighting of the new moon of Sha’aban.
Muslim News findings revealed that Sha’aban occupies a significant position in the Islamic calendar, as it is the eighth month and the immediate precursor to Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) attached great importance to Sha’aban, encouraging believers to prepare their hearts and bodies for the rigorous spiritual demands of Ramadan.
With the commencement of Sha’aban, the countdown to Ramadan has officially begun, leaving just one month before the annual fast observed by Muslims worldwide.
Ramadan is marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayers, recitation of the Qur’an, generosity to the needy and renewed commitment to moral excellence.
As anticipation builds across the country, Muslim News Nigeria urges Muslim individuals, groups and organisations to remain united under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto to ensure a hitch-free, peaceful and spiritually fulfilling Ramadan.
The newspaper also reminds the Muslim Ummah that the authority to declare the commencement and termination of Ramadan in Nigeria lies solely with the Sultan of Sokoto, acting in his capacity as the nation’s foremost Islamic authority through the NSCIA.
This authority, it said, should be respected by all Muslim groups, alfas and institutions in the interest of unity, harmony and national cohesion.
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