The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji 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 declaration was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs and signed by its Chairman, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, who is also the Waziri of Sokoto.
According to the statement, the National Moonsighting Committee, in collaboration with moonsighting committees across the country, did not receive any authenticated report confirming the sighting of the Safar crescent on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Muharram 1448AH.
The committee said the absence of a verified moon sighting meant Wednesday, July 15, 2026, would complete the 30th day of Muharram 1448AH.
Following the report, the Sultan approved the completion of the current Islamic month and declared Thursday, July 16, 2026, as the first day of Safar 1448AH.
The declaration marks the beginning 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.
Truth Live News gathered that the announcement followed the recommendation of the National Moonsighting Committee after verified reports from moon sighting committees nationwide confirmed that the Safar crescent was not sighted on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
