The Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has announced Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan 1447AH, following the sighting of the crescent moon across various parts of Nigeria.
The declaration formally signals the commencement of the annual month-long fast observed by Muslims worldwide. The announcement was made after confirmed reports indicated that the new moon was sighted on Tuesday, the 29th day of Sha’aban, in line with Islamic lunar calendar traditions that determine the beginning of Ramadan.
In a press statement issued in Sokoto and signed by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Wali Junaid, the Sultan stated that verified reports of moon sightings were received from multiple locations nationwide.
According to the statement, “the crescent moon was sighted in almost every part of the country earlier on Tuesday, which is the 29th day of the Month of Sha’aban, and thereby signifies tomorrow, 18th of February, as the first day of Ramadan 1447AH.”
The Sultan explained that the Sultanate Council received confirmations from Islamic leaders and moon-sighting committees across the country. The widespread verification of the crescent, he said, fulfilled the religious requirement for declaring the start of the fasting month.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed through daily fasting from dawn to sunset, intensified prayers, charitable giving, and spiritual reflection. The start of the month is determined by the sighting of the new moon, in accordance with Islamic jurisprudence.
By officially announcing the sighting, the Sultan, who serves as the spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria, called on Muslim communities across the country to begin the fast on Wednesday in compliance with Islamic teachings and established tradition.
Beyond marking the beginning of the holy month, the Sultan used the occasion to urge Muslims to dedicate the period to prayers for national peace and stability. He emphasised the importance of spiritual reflection and collective supplication at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with security challenges in several regions.
He called on the faithful to pray for an end to insecurity and violence, particularly in communities affected by insurgency, banditry and communal conflicts. The Sultan stressed that Ramadan offers a unique opportunity for unity, repentance and renewed commitment to moral values.
In addition, he encouraged Muslims to pray for the country’s leaders at all levels of government, asking for divine guidance and wisdom in addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic and security concerns. He underscored the need for cooperation between citizens and authorities in fostering peace and national development.
Religious leaders across the country have traditionally echoed such appeals during Ramadan, framing the month not only as a period of personal spiritual growth but also as a time for national introspection and solidarity.
The announcement has been welcomed by Muslim communities, mosques and Islamic organisations nationwide, many of which had awaited official confirmation before commencing Ramadan activities. Preparations for special nightly prayers, known as Taraweeh, are expected to begin immediately in mosques and homes.
Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and fasting during the month is obligatory for adult Muslims, except for those exempted due to illness, travel, pregnancy or other valid reasons under Islamic law. The fast is observed daily from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib), culminating in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr at the end of the month.
As the fasting period begins, the Sultan’s message places emphasis not only on religious devotion but also on social responsibility, compassion for the less privileged and collective prayer for national renewal.
With the crescent moon sighted and the declaration made, Muslims across Nigeria are set to embark on the sacred journey of Ramadan 1447AH, guided by calls for spiritual discipline, unity and prayers for enduring peace in the country.
