Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and leader of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, has officially announced that Thursday, July 16, 2026, marks the first day of the Islamic month of Safar 1448AH. This declaration follows confirmation that the new crescent moon was not spotted anywhere in Nigeria.
Sambo Wali Junaidu, who heads the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, issued the notification from the Sultan’s Palace. The decision was reached after the National Moon Sighting Committee evaluated reports from across the nation and found no verified evidence of the moon on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, which was the 29th of Muharram.
Consequently, the month of Muharram will run for 30 days. Wednesday, July 15, serves as the final day of Muharram, leading into the start of Safar the following morning. This process maintains the long-standing Islamic tradition of using lunar sightings to define the calendar months. The Sultanate Council emphasized its dedication to verification and transparency, thanking all volunteers who assisted in the observation effort.
As the primary spiritual authority for Nigerian Muslims, the Sultan’s announcement guides local mosques and institutions in planning their religious activities. In his statement, the Sultan expressed hopes for national peace and stability, encouraging the Muslim community to practice their faith with dedication and work toward the betterment of the country.
