SOKOTO – The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, 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, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, at the Sultan’s Palace in Sokoto.
According to the statement, the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee, did not receive any authentic report confirming the sighting of the Safar crescent on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, which corresponded with the 29th day of Muharram 1448AH.
Consequently, the council declared that Wednesday, July 15, 2026, would complete the month of Muharram as the 30th day, in line with Islamic tradition.
The declaration means that Thursday, July 16, 2026, marks the beginning of the month of Safar 1448AH for Muslims across Nigeria.
The Sultan urged the Muslim faithful to continue praying for peace, unity and progress in Nigeria while remaining committed to the teachings of Islam.
