Sultan declares Thursday start of Safar 1448AH after crescent moon not sighted nationwide

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, has declared Thursday, July 16, 2026 as the first day of Safar 1448AH across Nigeria. The announcement follows the non-sighting of the new crescent moon on Tuesday, July 14, which was the 29th of Muharram 1448AH.

The National Moonsighting Committee, working with committees nationwide, reported no authenticated sightings of the Safar crescent. Consequently, Wednesday, July 15, becomes the 30th day of Muharram before the new month begins on Thursday. This follows the established Islamic practice of moon sighting to determine lunar months.

The declaration serves as the official guide for Muslims across Nigeria in observing religious activities tied to the Hijri calendar. Safar is the second month of the Islamic calendar and holds particular significance for religious observances and community gatherings.

Muslim communities nationwide will align their religious calendars and activities with this official start date, affecting prayer schedules and upcoming observances.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/15/sultan-declares-thursday-first-day-of-safar-1448ah/