Sultan declares July 16 as first day of Safar 1448AH after moon sighting review
By KEMI KASUMU
The development means that the current Islamic month of Muharram will complete its full 30-day cycle in accordance with established Islamic jurisprudence and lunar calendar calculations.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has officially declared Thursday, July 16, 2026, as the first day of Safar 1448AH following the non sighting of the new crescent moon across the country.
The announcement was made through 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 Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, working in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee, carefully 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, corresponding to the 29th day of Muharram 1448AH.
The development means that the current Islamic month of Muharram will complete its full 30-day cycle in accordance with established Islamic jurisprudence and lunar calendar calculations.
The statement explained that Wednesday, July 15, 2026, would therefore be observed as the 30th and final day of Muharram 1448AH, while Thursday, July 16, 2026, would mark the commencement of Safar, the second month in the Islamic calendar.
The Sultan’s declaration follows the long-standing Islamic tradition of determining the beginning and end of lunar months through verified moon sightings, a practice observed by Muslim communities worldwide.
Religious scholars note that the process underscores the importance of accuracy, consultation and adherence to Islamic guidelines in matters relating to the Islamic calendar and religious observances.
As the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, the Sultan’s pronouncement provides official guidance to Muslim faithful across the country on the commencement of the new month and other religious activities tied to the Islamic calendar.
The announcement is expected to be observed by Islamic institutions, mosques, religious organizations and Muslim communities nationwide, which rely on the Sultanate’s declarations for the determination of key dates in the Hijri calendar.
The Sultanate Council reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining transparency and strict compliance with Islamic principles in the moon-sighting process, stressing that only authenticated reports are accepted before any official declaration is made.
The council also commended members of the National Moon Sighting Committee and volunteers across the country who participated in the exercise aimed at establishing the beginning of the new lunar month.
With the commencement of Safar 1448AH, Muslims are expected to continue their religious activities and spiritual engagements in line with the teachings of Islam and the guidance of religious authorities.
The declaration once again highlights the central role of the Sultanate in providing religious leadership and fostering unity among Nigeria’s diverse Muslim population through coordinated observance of important Islamic dates.
The Sultan prayed for peace, stability and continued progress for Nigeria and urged Muslims to remain steadfast in faith, promote harmony and contribute positively to national development as the new Islamic month begins.
