By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
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 1448AH following the non-sighting of the new crescent moon across Nigeria.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued at the Sultan’s Palace in Sokoto by Sambo Wali Junaidu, Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs.
According to the statement, the committee, in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee, reviewed reports from various parts of the country but did not receive any credible evidence confirming the sighting of the Safar crescent on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, which corresponded with the 29th day of Muharram 1448AH.
The statement said the development meant that Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, would complete its full 30-day cycle in line with Islamic jurisprudence and lunar calendar calculations.
