Nigeria’s Islamic calendar has entered a new month. The Sultan of Sokoto has officially declared Thursday, July 16, as the first day of Safar 1448AH after no verified crescent moon sighting.
SOKOTO, SOKOTO STATE — The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Thursday, July 16, 2026, as the first day of Safar 1448AH in Nigeria. According to a statement issued through the National Moon Sighting Committee and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, no verified sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of the new Islamic month was received on Wednesday. As a result, Thursday was confirmed as the commencement of Safar 1448AH.
Why This Happened
The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, making the sighting of the crescent moon essential for determining the beginning of each new month. When the moon is not sighted after the required observations, the current month is completed before the next month officially begins.
The Sultan, who serves as the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, announced the decision after receiving reports from the National Moon Sighting Committee.
What They Said
The announcement stated that no authenticated report of the new crescent moon was received from across the country. Consequently, Muslims in Nigeria are to observe Thursday, July 16, 2026, as the first day of Safar 1448AH.
The Sultan also encouraged Muslims to continue praying for peace, unity and progress in Nigeria while observing the new Islamic month.
Who Is Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III?
Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III is the Sultan of Sokoto and the spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria. As President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, he oversees major announcements relating to the Islamic calendar, including the commencement of Ramadan, Eid celebrations and other important religious observances.
What This Means for Nigeria
The development provides official guidance for Muslims across Nigeria on the start of Safar 1448AH, ensuring uniform observance of the Islamic calendar. Religious organisations, schools and communities that follow the lunar calendar are expected to align their activities with the Sultan’s declaration.
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