Muslims across Nigeria will begin the month of Rabi’ul Awwal 1447 After Hijrah (AH) on Monday, August 25, 2025, following a formal declaration by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
The Sultan, who is also the President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), made this known through a statement issued by the Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Junaidu.
Crescent Moon Not Sighted
According to the statement, the declaration came after the National Moon Sighting Committee reported that no sighting of the new crescent was received from any of the moon sighting committees across Nigeria on Saturday, August 23, 2025, which corresponds to the 29th of Safar 1447 AH.
The development automatically extended Safar to 30 days, with Rabi’ul Awwal commencing the next day.
Spiritual Importance of the Month
“His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has accepted the report, and accordingly declared Monday, 25th August, 2025, as the first day of Rabi’ul Awwal 1447 AH,” the statement said.
Frontpagenews.ng reports that Rabi’ul Awwal is highly revered by Muslims as the month of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), a period marked by reflection, devotion, and celebration across the Islamic world.
