The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has announced Thursday, July 16, 2026, as the first day of Safar 1448AH after the new crescent moon was not sighted anywhere in Nigeria.
The declaration was made in a statement released on Wednesday by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs and signed by its Chairman, the Waziri of Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu.
According to the statement, the National Moonsighting Committee, working with state and local moonsighting committees nationwide, did not receive any verified report confirming the sighting of the Safar crescent on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, which corresponded with the 29th day of Muharram 1448AH.
“The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moonsighting Committee, did not receive any report from various moonsighting committees across the country confirming the sighting of the crescent of Safar 1448AH on Tuesday, 14th July, 2026, equivalent to 29th Muharram 1448AH,” the statement said.
The committee stated that Wednesday, July 15, 2026, would therefore complete the 30th day of Muharram 1448AH.
“Therefore, Wednesday, 15th July, 2026, will be the 30th of Muharram 1448AH.”
Following the committee’s report, the Sultan approved the completion of Muharram and declared the beginning of the new Islamic month.
“His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has accepted the report and accordingly declared Thursday, 16th July, 2026, as the first day of Safar 1448AH,” the statement added.
The announcement officially ushers in Safar, the second month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, and serves as the recognised guide for Muslims across Nigeria in observing religious activities and dates tied to the Islamic calendar.
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