The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan in Nigeria, following the sighting of the crescent moon across parts of the country.
The announcement, made through the Sultanate Council, confirmed that the new Islamic month of Ramadan 1447 AH has officially begun, bringing an end to days of anticipation among millions of Nigerian Muslims.
The declaration followed verified reports of moon sightings received from various locations nationwide and endorsed by the National Moon Sighting Committee in collaboration with religious authorities.
According to the council, the crescent moon was sighted on Tuesday evening, the 29th day of Sha’aban, which marks the immediate commencement of fasting the following day.
Moon sighting confirms start of fasting
The Sultan, who is also the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, said the decision was based on credible and verified reports submitted by Islamic leaders and committees across the country.
“The reports of the sighting of the crescent moon have been duly verified and authenticated,” the council said in a statement, adding that the development signifies that Wednesday, February 18, is the first day of Ramadan.
The moon sighting exercise is a long-standing Islamic tradition used to determine the beginning of each new month in the lunar calendar. In Nigeria, the responsibility of making the official announcement rests with the Sultan, who serves as the spiritual leader of Muslims in the country.
Before the announcement, Muslims had been asked to look out for the crescent moon after sunset on Tuesday. Authorities had earlier indicated that if the moon was sighted, fasting would begin on Wednesday, otherwise it would start a day later.
Build-up to the announcement
In the days leading up to the declaration, religious leaders and organisations across Nigeria had urged Muslims to prepare for the holy month and participate in the moon sighting process.
The National Moon Sighting Committee worked with relevant agencies, including scientific bodies, to monitor reports from different parts of the country.
Reports later emerged that the crescent was sighted in several locations, including parts of northern Nigeria, prompting the council to finalise its decision.
The process highlights Nigeria’s reliance on physical moon sighting, unlike some countries that depend mainly on astronomical calculations to determine Islamic dates.
What Ramadan means for Muslims
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the holiest period for Muslims worldwide. It is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity.
During the month, adult Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. The fast is broken daily with a meal known as iftar, while special prayers called Taraweeh are observed at night.
The period is also marked by increased acts of kindness, charity, and devotion, as Muslims seek spiritual growth and closeness to God.
Islamic scholars explain that fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, making it a key religious obligation for Muslims.
National and global alignment
Nigeria joins several other countries, including Saudi Arabia and others in the Middle East, where Ramadan is also set to begin on Wednesday following similar moon sightings.
Within Nigeria, different Islamic groups and regional bodies had earlier indicated likely dates based on calculations, but many had stressed the need to wait for the Sultan’s official declaration before commencing the fast.
For instance, some Muslim leaders in the South-West had projected February 18 as the likely start date, while emphasising that the final decision rests with the Sultan.
This unified approach helps ensure that Muslims across the country begin and end Ramadan together.
Role of the Sultan and NSCIA
The Sultan of Sokoto plays a central role in coordinating Islamic activities in Nigeria, particularly in announcing the start and end of Ramadan and major festivals such as Eid-el-Fitr.
As head of the NSCIA, the apex Islamic body in the country, the Sultan works with scholars, traditional rulers, and committees to ensure accurate and credible decisions on religious matters.
The council, established to provide a unified voice for Muslims in Nigeria, oversees religious affairs and promotes coordination among Islamic organisations nationwide.
Messages to Muslims
Following the announcement, Islamic leaders have called on Muslims to use the Ramadan period to pray for peace, unity, and progress in Nigeria.
They also urged the faithful to show compassion to the less privileged, maintain discipline, and uphold the values of patience and tolerance throughout the fasting period.
Observers note that Ramadan often brings increased community activities, including charity drives, communal prayers, and outreach programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable groups.
Economic and social impact
Ramadan also has a noticeable impact on daily life and the economy in Nigeria. Markets often experience increased activity as families prepare meals for iftar and sahur (early morning meal before fasting begins).
Businesses adjust their operations, while mosques witness higher attendance, especially during evening prayers.
In many communities, the period fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose, as Muslims come together for worship and social support.
Looking ahead
Ramadan is expected to last 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the next crescent moon, which will signal the end of fasting and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.
As the holy month begins, millions of Muslims across Nigeria are set to embark on the spiritual journey, guided by faith, discipline, and devotion.
The Sultan’s declaration has now officially set the tone for the observance, marking the start of one of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar.
