Sultan declares Thursday first day of Safar 1448AH

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has officially declared Thursday, July 16, 2026, as the commencement of Safar 1448AH. This marks the beginning of the second month in the Islamic lunar calendar.

The decision was made after the National Moonsighting Committee, in collaboration with regional committees across Nigeria, did not receive any confirmed reports of the Safar crescent moon being sighted on Tuesday, July 14, which corresponded to the 29th of Muharram 1448AH. Consequently, Wednesday, July 15, 2026, was designated as the 30th of Muharram 1448AH.

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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 on Tuesday, 14th July, 2026, equivalent to 29th Muharram 1448AH.

Following the established procedures and based on the reports received, the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, chaired by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, confirmed the non-sighting. The Sultan subsequently approved the completion of Muharram and declared the start of Safar on Thursday.

This declaration is crucial for Muslims throughout Nigeria, providing the official timeline for observing religious activities and events that are determined by the Hijri calendar. It ensures uniformity in religious practices across the country.

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His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, 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.