By Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
The Sultanate Council of Nigeria has called on Muslims across the country to observe the sky on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, for the sighting of the new moon marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Safar 1448AH.
The announcement, issued through the office of the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council, urged Muslims, Islamic scholars, traditional leaders, and moon-sighting committees to participate in the nationwide exercise in accordance with Islamic tradition.
The council said the crescent is expected to be visible after sunset on Tuesday, which corresponds to the 29th day of Muharram 1448AH. If the moon is successfully sighted and verified, Wednesday, July 15, 2026, will be observed as the first day of Safar. If the crescent is not sighted, Muharram will complete 30 days, and Safar will begin the following day.
Importance of Moon Sighting in Islam
Moon sighting remains one of the most significant religious practices in Islam, as the Islamic calendar is based entirely on lunar cycles. Every new month begins with the confirmed sighting of the crescent moon or the completion of 30 days of the preceding month.
The beginning of each Islamic month determines the dates for religious observances, including fasting, pilgrimage preparations, and other acts of worship. Although Safar itself is not associated with compulsory religious rituals like Ramadan or Dhul Hijjah, its commencement follows the same Islamic procedure prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Islamic scholars have consistently encouraged Muslims to observe the moon with sincerity while relying on recognized authorities for official confirmation.
Council Calls for Accurate Reporting
The Sultanate Council urged anyone who successfully sights the new moon to immediately report the observation to the nearest District Head, Village Head, Emirate Council, or designated Moon Sighting Committee.
According to the council, reports should contain sufficient details to enable proper verification before an official announcement is made.
The council stressed that only authenticated sightings would be accepted in determining the beginning of the new Islamic month, emphasizing the importance of maintaining unity among Muslims throughout Nigeria.
It also advised the public against circulating unverified moon-sighting claims on social media, noting that the official declaration of the new month rests solely with the Sultanate Council after due verification.
Role of the Sultanate Council
For decades, the Sultanate Council has remained the highest traditional Islamic authority responsible for announcing the commencement and conclusion of Islamic months in Nigeria.
The council coordinates moon-sighting activities through emirates and Islamic scholars nationwide before making any official declaration through the Sultan of Sokoto, who serves as the spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria.
Its announcements determine the official dates for important Islamic observances such as Ramadan fasting, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and other significant religious events.
The moon-sighting process is carried out in line with Islamic jurisprudence and long-established religious practices accepted by the majority of Nigerian Muslims.
Understanding the Month of Safar
Safar is the second month in the Islamic lunar calendar and follows Muharram, one of Islam’s four sacred months.
Historically, some pre-Islamic Arab communities attached superstitious beliefs to the month of Safar, considering it a period of bad luck or misfortune. However, Islamic teachings rejected such beliefs.
Several authentic narrations of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) make it clear that Islam does not recognize Safar as an unlucky month. Muslims are encouraged to continue their daily activities, conduct business, travel, marry, and worship without fear or superstition.
Islamic scholars often use the beginning of Safar to remind believers to strengthen their faith and rely solely on Allah rather than cultural myths.
Call for Unity Among Muslims
Religious leaders have urged Muslims to remain united and patient while awaiting the official announcement from the Sultanate Council.
They noted that differences in moon sighting may occur due to weather conditions and geographical variations, but emphasized that Muslims should follow the officially recognized authority in their respective communities to preserve unity.
The council reiterated that cooperation among Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, and worshippers remains essential in ensuring an orderly commencement of every Islamic month.
Scientific and Religious Collaboration
In recent years, moon sighting has benefited from increased collaboration between Islamic scholars and astronomical experts.
While modern astronomical calculations can predict the likelihood of the crescent becoming visible, the Sultanate Council continues to uphold the Islamic tradition of physical sighting supported by credible eyewitness testimony.
Experts say weather conditions, atmospheric clarity, geographical location, and the age of the moon all influence whether the crescent becomes visible after sunset.
This combination of scientific knowledge and religious guidance has helped improve the verification process while preserving Islamic legal requirements.
Public Encouraged to Participate Responsibly
The Sultanate Council encouraged Muslims interested in participating in the moon-sighting exercise to observe the western horizon shortly after sunset on Tuesday.
Observers were advised to remain calm, avoid speculation, and report only genuine sightings through recognized traditional and religious channels.
The council expressed appreciation to scholars, community leaders, and volunteers who participate in the exercise every month, describing their contributions as important in preserving Islamic traditions.
Awaiting Official Declaration
As Muslims across Nigeria prepare to welcome Safar 1448AH, attention now turns to Tuesday evening’s observation.
Should the crescent be sighted and verified, the Sultan of Sokoto is expected to make an official announcement confirming the beginning of the new Islamic month.
Until then, the Sultanate Council has urged Muslims to disregard unofficial statements and await its formal declaration through authorized communication channels.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accuracy, and adherence to Islamic principles in determining the beginning of every lunar month.
The moon-sighting exercise continues to symbolize unity, faith, and obedience to Islamic teachings, bringing together millions of Muslims across Nigeria in a shared religious tradition that has endured for centuries.
Sources
- National Moon Sighting Committee (Nigeria)
- Sultanate Council of Sokoto
- Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA)
