The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Thursday, July 16, 2026, as the first day of Safar 1448AH after the new crescent moon was not sighted anywhere in Nigeria.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued from the Sultan’s Palace in Sokoto and signed by the Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sambo Wali Junaidu.
According to the statement, the committee, working alongside the National Moon Sighting Committee, examined reports received from different parts of the country but found no credible evidence confirming the sighting of the Safar crescent on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, which was the 29th day of Muharram 1448AH.
Based on the outcome of the moon sighting exercise, the Sultan officially declared Thursday, July 16, 2026, as the first day of Safar 1448AH for Muslims across Nigeria.
The statement said the development meant that Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, would complete its full 30-day cycle in line with Islamic jurisprudence and lunar calendar calculations.
It added that Wednesday, July 15, 2026, would be observed as the 30th and final day of Muharram 1448AH, while Thursday, July 16, 2026, would mark the beginning of Safar, the second month in the Hijri calendar.
The Sultan’s declaration followed the established Islamic tradition of determining the commencement and conclusion of lunar months through verified moon sightings.
Religious scholars noted that the process underscores the importance of accuracy, consultation and adherence to Islamic guidelines in determining dates for religious observances.
As the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, the Sultan’s pronouncement provides guidance to Muslim faithful across the country on the commencement of the new month and other activities tied to the Islamic calendar.
The declaration is expected to be observed by Islamic institutions, mosques and Muslim communities nationwide, which rely on the Sultanate’s announcements for the determination of important dates in the Hijri calendar.
The Sultanate Council reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and strict compliance with Islamic principles in the moon-sighting process, stressing that only authenticated reports are accepted before official declarations are made.
The council also commended members of the National Moon Sighting Committee and volunteers across the country who participated in the exercise.
With the commencement of Safar 1448AH, Muslims are expected to continue their religious activities and spiritual engagements in line with Islamic teachings and guidance from religious authorities.
The Sultan prayed for peace, stability and progress for Nigeria, urging Muslims to remain steadfast in faith, promote harmony and contribute positively to national development.
