The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Thursday, July 16, 2026, as the first day of Safar 1448AH after the non-sighting of the new crescent moon across Nigeria.
Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambnoon Wali Junaidu, made the announcement in a statement on Wednesday.
He said the National Moonsighting Committee, in collaboration with various moonsighting committees across the country, did not receive any authenticated report confirming the sighting of the Safar crescent on Tuesday, July 14, corresponding to the 29th 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.
“Therefore, Wednesday, 15th July, 2026, will be the 30th of Muharram 1448AH,” the statement said.
According to the statement, the Sultan approved the completion of the current Islamic month and declared the commencement of the new month on Thursday.
The declaration marks the beginning of the second month of the Islamic calendar and serves as the official guide for Muslims across Nigeria in observing religious activities tied to the Hijri calendar.
