The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Thursday, July 16, 2026, as the first day of Safar 1448AH after the new crescent moon was not sighted across Nigeria.
The declaration followed the recommendation of the National Moonsighting Committee, which said it did not receive any authenticated report confirming the sighting of the Safar crescent on Tuesday, the 29th day of Muharram.
According to a statement signed by the Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wednesday, July 15, completed the 30th day of Muharram.
Based on the report, the Sultan approved the completion of the current Islamic month and declared Thursday as the beginning of Safar 1448AH.
The announcement provides the official guide for Muslims across Nigeria in observing religious activities associated with the second month of the Islamic calendar.
