Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Thursday, 16 July 2026, as the first day of Safar 1448AH following the non-sighting of the new crescent moon across Nigeria.
The announcement was conveyed in an official statement issued on Tuesday 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, in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee, undertook a nationwide assessment of moon sighting reports but 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 council explained that the absence of a verified moon sighting necessitates the completion of Muharram as a full 30-day month in line with Islamic injunctions governing the lunar calendar.
Consequently, Wednesday, July 15, 2026, has been designated as the 30th day of Muharram 1448AH, while Thursday, July 16, marks the beginning of Safar, the second month of the Islamic calendar.
The declaration provides official guidance for millions of Muslims across Nigeria who rely on the Sultanate’s pronouncements for the determination of significant dates and religious observances.
Islamic scholars have noted that the moon-sighting process remains a vital aspect of Islamic tradition, ensuring that the commencement of lunar months is based on verified and credible evidence.
The Sultanate Council emphasized that reports received from different parts of the country were carefully scrutinized before the final decision was reached.
It reaffirmed its commitment to upholding established Islamic procedures and maintaining the integrity of the moon-sighting exercise through consultation with relevant religious bodies and experts.
The announcement is expected to guide mosques, Islamic organisations and Muslim communities nationwide in aligning their religious activities with the officially declared commencement of the new month.
The council also commended members of the National Moon Sighting Committee and volunteers who participated in the nationwide exercise aimed at establishing the beginning of Safar 1448AH.
Observers say the coordinated moon-sighting process continues to reinforce religious unity among Muslims across the country by ensuring a common framework for the observance of the Islamic calendar.
As Muslims usher in the month of Safar, the Sultan called on the faithful to remain committed to the values of peace, tolerance and mutual understanding for the progress of the nation.
He further urged Nigerians to continue praying for national unity, security and prosperity, stressing the importance of collective efforts in advancing peace and development across the country.
