Sultan Declares Thursday as First Day of Safar 1448AH
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Thursday, July 16, 2026, as the 1st day of Safar 1448AH.
The declaration was contained in a press release issued on Tuesday by Wazirin Sokoto and the Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, at the Sultan’s Palace, Sokoto.
According to the statement, the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moon sighting Committee, did not receive any credible report confirming the sighting of the crescent of Safar on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, corresponding to the 29th of Muharram 1448AH.
It explained that, in line with Islamic tradition, Wednesday, July 15, 2026, would therefore complete the month of Muharram as the 30th day of Muharram 1448AH, as such Thursday, July 16, 2026, is the 1st day of Safar 1448AH.
