The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Thursday, July 16, 2026, as the first day of Safar 1448AH following the non-sighting of the new crescent moon.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, at the Sultan’s Palace in Sokoto.
According to the statement, the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, working in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee, did not receive any credible report confirming the sighting of the crescent moon of Safar on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Muharram 1448AH.
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The committee explained that, in accordance with Islamic tradition, Wednesday, July 15, 2026, would complete the month of Muharram as its 30th day.
Following the committee’s recommendation, the Sultan officially declared Thursday, July 16, 2026, as the 1st day of Safar 1448AH.
The declaration signals the commencement of the second month of the Islamic lunar calendar for Muslims across Nigeria.