“Safar 1448AH Moon Sighting: Sultanate Council Calls on Nigerian Muslims to Observe Crescent on July 14″
The Sultanate Council of Nigeria has called on Muslims across the country to observe the crescent marking the beginning of Safar 1448AH on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, urging worshippers to report any confirmed sighting through established traditional and religious channels.
In a statement issued by the Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, the body encouraged Muslims to watch for the new moon shortly after sunset and promptly communicate verified sightings to their respective District, Village, or Emirate Heads. The reports will then be forwarded to the Sultanate Council for official confirmation.
The Council emphasized that the moon-sighting process follows established Islamic traditions and remains an important aspect of determining the beginning of the new Hijri month. It also urged members of the Muslim community to cooperate with local authorities to ensure that only credible and authenticated reports are considered before any official declaration is made.
The announcement comes as millions of Muslims in Nigeria prepare for the commencement of the second month of the Islamic calendar. Once verified, the Sultanate Council, under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, will formally announce the beginning of Safar 1448AH, maintaining the longstanding practice of relying on authenticated moon sightings in accordance with Islamic jurisprudence.
The Sultanate Council’s moon-sighting announcements play a central role in guiding religious observances across Nigeria and are closely followed by Muslim communities, religious institutions, and government agencies.