The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has officially announced that Thursday, July 16, 2026, will mark the beginning of Safar 1448AH in Nigeria.
The decision follows the failure to sight the new crescent moon, which traditionally signals the start of a new Islamic month.
The declaration provides the official timetable for Muslims across the country as they observe the Islamic calendar and plan religious activities for the new month.
Moonsighting Committees Report No Confirmed Crescent
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs explained that the National Moonsighting Committee worked alongside local moonsighting committees across Nigeria to monitor the appearance of the Safar crescent.
After reviewing reports from across the country, the committee confirmed that no verified sighting of the moon was received on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, which corresponded to the 29th day of Muharram 1448AH.
The statement was signed by the committee’s chairman, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, who also serves as the Waziri of Sokoto.
Muharram to Complete Full 30 Days
Following the absence of any authenticated moonsighting report, the advisory committee ruled that Muharram would complete its full 30-day cycle.
As a result, Wednesday, July 15, 2026, was declared the 30th and final day of Muharram 1448AH before the new Islamic month officially begins.
The committee noted that this decision was reached in line with established Islamic principles governing the Hijri calendar whenever the new moon is not sighted on the 29th day of the current month.
Sultan Approves Official Commencement Date
After receiving the committee’s recommendation, the Sultan accepted the findings and formally endorsed Thursday, July 16, 2026, as the first day of Safar 1448AH.
The announcement, made in his capacity as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), now serves as the official guideline for Muslims throughout Nigeria.
What the Declaration Means for Nigerian Muslims
Safar is the second month of the Islamic lunar calendar and follows Muharram, one of Islam’s sacred months.
The official declaration by the Sultan ensures that Muslims across Nigeria observe the new month on a unified schedule.
The announcement also provides clarity for religious institutions, Islamic organizations and worshippers who rely on the Hijri calendar to determine the timing of religious observances and other faith-based activities throughout the year.
