The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has declared Thursday, 16th July 2026 as the 1st day of Safar 1448AH.
This followed the non-sighting of the new moon on Tuesday.
The declaration was contained in a statement by the Wazirin Sokoto and the Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, at the Sultan’s Palace, Sokoto.
The statement notes that the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moon sighting Committee, did not receive any credible report confirming the sighting of the Crescent of Safar on Tuesday, 14th July, 2026 corresponding to the 29th of Muharram 1448AH.
It further explains that, in line with Islamic tradition, Wednesday, 15th July 2026, marks the completion of the Month of Muharram, being the 30th day of Muharram 1448AH.
The Sultan has accepted the Committee’s recommendation and officially declared Thursday, 16th July, 2026 as the first day of Safar 1448AH.
