Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
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 announcement, contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, confirms that Wednesday, July 15, 2026, will be observed as the 30th and final day of Muharram 1448AH, completing the full 30-day cycle of the first month of the Islamic calendar in line with Islamic jurisprudence and lunar calculations.
Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, who is also the Waziri of Sokoto, made the declaration in a statement on Wednesday, citing reports from the National Moonsighting Committee and various state moonsighting committees across the country. According to the statement, the committees did not receive any authenticated report confirming the sighting of the Safar crescent on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, which corresponded to 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," the statement read.
Based on the recommendation of the committee, the Sultan accepted the report and approved the commencement of the new Islamic month. "His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the 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. The declaration marks the beginning of the second month of the Islamic Hijri calendar and serves as the official guide for Muslims across Nigeria in observing religious activities tied to the lunar calendar.
The Sultan's declaration followed the established Islamic tradition of determining the commencement and conclusion of lunar months through verified moon sightings. Religious scholars have noted that the process underscores the importance of accuracy, consultation, and adherence to Islamic guidelines in determining dates for religious observances. The Sultanate Council reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and strict compliance with Islamic principles in the moon-sighting process, stressing that only authenticated reports are accepted before official declarations are made. The council also commended members of the National Moon Sighting Committee and volunteers across the country who participated in the exercise.
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. The declaration is expected to be observed by Islamic institutions, mosques, and Muslim communities nationwide, which rely on the Sultanate's announcements for the determination of important dates in the Hijri calendar. With the commencement of Safar 1448AH, Muslims are expected to continue their religious activities and spiritual engagements in line with Islamic teachings and guidance from religious authorities. The Sultan prayed for peace, stability, and progress for Nigeria, urging Muslims to remain steadfast in faith, promote harmony, and contribute positively to national development.
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