Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, has officially designated Thursday, July 16, 2026, as the first day of the Islamic month Safar 1448AH. This decision followed a nationwide failure to spot the new crescent moon.
Professor Sambnoon Wali Junaidu, who heads the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, confirmed the news in a Wednesday announcement. He explained that neither the National Moonsighting Committee nor regional groups reported sightings of the crescent moon on Tuesday, July 14, which was the 29th day of Muharram.
Consequently, Wednesday, July 15, was observed as the 30th and final day of Muharram. With the Sultan’s approval to conclude the month, the Islamic calendar now transitions into Safar. This official declaration provides clarity for Muslims throughout Nigeria regarding the timeline for religious observances associated with the Hijri calendar.
