By Lawrence Agbo
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has announced that Thursday, July 16, 2026, will mark the beginning of Safar 1448AH after the nationwide moon sighting exercise failed to confirm the appearance of the new crescent.
The announcement was conveyed in a statement issued by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs and signed by its Chairman, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu.
The committee explained that reports from the National Moonsighting Committee and other accredited moon sighting groups across Nigeria confirmed that the Safar crescent was not sighted on Tuesday, July 14, the 29th day of Muharram 1448AH.
“The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moonsighting Committee, did not receive any report from various moonsighting committees across the country confirming the sighting of the crescent of Safar 1448AH on Tuesday, 14th July, 2026, equivalent to 29th Muharram 1448AH,” the statement said.
“Therefore, Wednesday, 15th July, 2026, will be the 30th of Muharram 1448AH,” It added.
In line with Islamic tradition, the Sultan approved the completion of Muharram as a 30-day month, making Wednesday, July 15, the final day of the month.
“His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has accepted the report and accordingly declared Thursday, 16th July, 2026, as the first day of Safar 1448AH,” the statement added.
Consequently, Thursday, July 16, was declared the first day of Safar 1448AH, providing the official calendar guidance for Muslims across Nigeria.
(The Sun)