Sultanate confirms Ramadan Crescent, declares Wednesday first day of fasting

By Musa Danas

The Sultanate Council of Sokoto has officially announced the sighting of the crescent moon, signaling the commencement of Ramadan 1447AH, with Wednesday, February 18, 2026, declared as the first day of fasting for Muslims across Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, confirmed that the new moon was sighted on Tuesday, February 17, corresponding to the 29th day of Sha’aban 1447AH.

The announcement was delivered on behalf of the Sultan by the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi, who disclosed that credible reports of moon sightings were received from different parts of the country and thoroughly verified by the Sultanate Council before being accepted.

“After due verification and authentication of the reports received from across the country, the Sultanate Council has accepted the sighting of the new moon. Consequently, Wednesday, 18th February 2026, marks the first day of Ramadan 1447AH,” the statement read.

The Council explained that the Shehu of Borno made the formal public announcement in line with tradition due to the Sultan’s temporary absence.

In his message to the Muslim faithful, the Sultan urged adherents to dedicate the holy month to prayer, spiritual rejuvenation, and acts of charity, while seeking peace and divine guidance for the nation.

“Ramadan is a period of sacrifice, self-discipline and compassion. I call on all Muslims to use this sacred month to pray for the unity, stability and progress of our dear country, and for wisdom and guidance for our leaders at all levels,” he stated.

Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, entails a month-long fast observed daily from dawn to sunset by millions of Muslims in Nigeria and around the world.

The holy month is marked by increased devotion, special nightly prayers known as Taraweeh, charitable giving, and community support initiatives.

Across various states, religious leaders have begun mobilising worshippers for evening prayers, outreach programmes, and feeding initiatives, reflecting the enduring values of faith, solidarity, and national renewal that Ramadan represents.