Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims across the country.
The announcement followed the confirmed sighting of the crescent moon in several parts of Nigeria on Tuesday, marking the end of Sha’aban and the commencement of Ramadan 1447 AH.
Sultan of Sokoto
The declaration was contained in a statement released in Sokoto and signed by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Professor Sambo Wali Junaid.
According to the statement, reports of moon sighting were received from traditional rulers and Islamic leaders nationwide, prompting the council to approve the beginning of the Ramadan fast on Wednesday.
The Sultan called on Muslims across Nigeria to begin fasting in line with Islamic teachings, while also urging them to use the holy month to pray fervently for the nation, especially against insecurity affecting parts of the country.
He further appealed to the faithful to seek divine guidance for Nigeria’s leaders and to promote peace, unity, and compassion throughout the Ramadan period.
The declaration aligns with similar announcements from other Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia, where the crescent
moon was also sighted on Tuesday.
Ramadan is a sacred period marked by fasting, prayers, self-discipline, and acts of charity, observed by Muslims worldwide.
