Sultan declares July 16 as first day of Safar 1448AH after moon sighting review
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.
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.
As the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, the Sultan’s pronouncement provides guidance to Muslim faithful across the country on the commencement of the new month and other activities tied to the Islamic calendar.
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