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 1448 AH following the non-sighting of the new moon.
The declaration marks the commencement 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.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu.
According to the statement, the Sultan approved the completion of Muharram 1448 AH after the National Moonsighting Committee, in collaboration with moonsighting committees across the country, failed to receive any authenticated report confirming the sighting of the Safar crescent on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, corresponding to the 29th of Muharram 1448 AH.
“The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moonsighting Committee, did not receive any report from the various moonsighting committees across the country confirming the sighting of the crescent of Safar 1448 AH on Tuesday, 14th July, 2026, equivalent to 29th Muharram 1448 AH.
“Therefore, Wednesday, 15th July, 2026, will be the 30th of Muharram 1448 AH,” the statement read.