Nigerian Muslims will begin Ramadan Fasting tomorrow, Wednesday 18 February, 2026.
This was announced by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in collaboration with the National Moon-sighting Committee, on Tuesday in Sokoto.
The committees have confirmed the sighting of the new crescent of Ramadan 1447AH, signaling the commencement of the holy month for Muslims across Nigeria.
The announcement followed verified reports received from various moonsighting committees nationwide on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Sha’aban 1447AH.
The Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), formally accepted the reports and declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan 1447AH.
In a message to the Muslim faithful, the Sultan congratulated the Nigerian Muslim Ummah on the successful sighting of the crescent and the opportunity to witness another Ramadan. He prayed for Allah’s guidance and blessings throughout the sacred month.
The monarch also urged Muslims to use the period of fasting, prayer, and reflection to pray fervently for peace, unity, progress, and development in the country. He emphasized the importance of spiritual renewal, charity, and communal harmony as central values of Ramadan.
“Ramadan Kareem to all Muslims,” the Sultan stated, expressing hope that Allah (SWT) would accept the religious observances and good deeds of the faithful.
The statement was signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.
With the official declaration, mosques across the country are expected to commence special nightly Taraweeh prayers, while Muslim families begin preparations for the month-long fast observed from dawn to sunset.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is regarded as a period of heightened devotion, self-discipline, and compassion f
or the less privileged.
