Sultan Says: Rabi’ul Awwal Kicks Off Monday

By: Oluwaseun Lawal

Monday has been annouced as the first day of Rabi’ul Awwal (1447AH) by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Yeah, it’s now official. The word came out Saturday, and honestly, a lot of people had been wondering when the new month would start.

It all started with the moon sighting. Committees all over Nigeria went out Saturday night, eyes on the sky, hoping to catch a glimpse of the new crescent. But nope—nothing. Not a single sighting. The news was broken by Professor Sambo Junaidu, the Wazirin Sokoto. He’s is charged with the responsibility of handling these things, and he made it known that no moon, means no new month yet.

30th day of Safar is on Sunday, August 24th. The normal way the calendar works is You wait, you check, and if the moon doesn’t show up, you finish out the month. Then, come Monday, August 25th, Rabi’ul Awwal begins. Simple, but kind of exciting too, especially for folks who follow the Islamic calendar closely.

The Sultan listened to all the reports, didn’t waste time, and made the call. Now, everyone knows what’s up. Rabi’ul Awwal starts Monday. Time to mark your calendars, maybe say a prayer, and get ready for the new month.