The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Thursday, July 16, 2026, as the first day of Safar 1448AH.
The announcement followed reports of non-sighting of the new crescent moon across Nigeria. The Sultan is also President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs said the National Moonsighting Committee worked with moon-sighting groups across the country before the decision was announced.
Muslim communities use the announcement to align religious dates and local observances with the Islamic calendar.
Sources: Vanguard, Punch
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