The Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan 1447AH, following the sighting of the crescent moon across Nigeria.
The Sultan, who is also the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, made the announcement after confirming that the new moon was sighted on Tuesday, the 29th day of Sha’aban.
In a statement issued in Sokoto and signed by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Wali Junaid, the Sultan said reports of the moon sighting were received from various parts of the country.
“The crescent moon was sighted in almost every part of the country earlier on Tuesday which is the 29th day of the Month of Shaban and thereby signifies tomorrow, 18 of February, as the first day of Ramadan 1447,” the statement read.
He added that the council received confirmations from Islamic leaders across Nigeria, signalling the formal commencement of the Ramadan fast on Wednesday.
The Sultan therefore called on Muslims nationwide to begin the fasting in line with Islamic teachings and traditions.
He also urged the faithful to use the holy month as a period of reflection, increased devotion and supplication for Nigeria, especially amid ongoing security challenges in parts of the country.
The Sultan encouraged Muslims to pray for peace, unity and stability, and to seek divine guidance for the nation’s leaders as they work to address insecurity and other pressing national issues.
