Sultan of Sokoto and president-general of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammadu Abubakar has declared today (Wednesday) as the first day of Sha’aban 1444AH.
Gatekeepers News reports that the secretary of the moon sighting committee, Yahaya Boyi announced the development in a statement on Tuesday.
The statement read, “Assalamu Alaikum. The Sultanate Council Sokoto has declared tomorrow Wednesday 22/2/2023 as the first day of Sha’aban 1444 AH.”
Sha’aban is the eighth month of the Islamic calendar that comes before the month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast for a period of 29 or 30 days.
In a related development, Ash Wednesday also falls on February 22.
The Ash Wednesday is usually marked by Christians, especially those of the Catholic faith to commence the Lenten season (Christian fasting ahead of Easter period).
The day features the marking of the forehead with ash as a reminder of the human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God.
