Muslims to mark first day of Sha’aban today, same day as Christians’ Ash Wednesday

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammadu Abubakar, has declared Wednesday as the first day of Sha’aban 1444AH.

Secretary of the moon sighting committee,Yahaya Boyi, announced the development in a statement on Tuesday.

The statement reads, “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.

Meanwhile, Ash Wednesday also falls on February 22.

Ash Wednesday is usually marked by Christians, especially those of the Catholic faith.

The day features the marking of the forehead with ash as a reminder of the human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God.

Ash Wednesday also marks the beginning of the Lenten season during which Christians fast until the Easter period, which signifies the time of Christ’s resurrection from the dead as taught in the Bible.