BREAKING: NO CRESCENT SIGHTED AS SULTAN DECLARES THURSDAY SAFAR’S FIRST

By—Pen Blog Media.
Date: Wednesday, 15th July, 2026 | 30th Muharram, 1448 AH.



















SOKOTO, Nigeria — The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, has declared Thursday, July 16, 2026, as the 1st day of Safar 1448AH, after the new crescent moon was not sighted across Nigeria.

The announcement followed the conclusion of nationwide moon-sighting exercises conducted on Tuesday, July 14, corresponding to the 29th day of Muharram 1448AH.

Before the official declaration, members of the National Moon-Sighting Committee disclosed that reports received from committees across the country indicated that no verified sighting of the Safar crescent had been recorded. The committee subsequently forwarded its findings to the Sultanate Council for final consideration.

After reviewing the reports, the Sultanate Council confirmed that there was no authenticated moon sighting from any part of the country. 

Consequently, Muslims are to complete 30 days of Muharram, making Wednesday, July 15, the last day of the month, while Thursday, July 16, marks the beginning of Safar 1448AH.

The announcement was conveyed through the Sultanate Council's Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, reaffirming the long-standing Islamic practice of commencing a new Hijri month only upon the verified sighting of the crescent or by completing 30 days of the current month where no valid sighting is established.

Earlier, the Sultanate Council had urged Muslims nationwide to observe the western horizon after sunset on Tuesday and report any confirmed sighting of the new moon through recognised district, emirate and state moon-sighting committees for authentication. However, no credible reports were received.

The declaration provides the official basis for the observance of the Islamic lunar calendar by Muslims across Nigeria and signals the commencement of Safar, the second month of the Hijri calendar.

Moon sighting remains a significant religious tradition in Islam, serving as the basis for determining the beginning and end of lunar months, including those associated with fasting, Hajj and other acts of worship.

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