The Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, has declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan 1447AH, urging Muslims across Nigeria to use the holy month to pray for peace and national stability.
In a statement issued through Sambo Junaid, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, the Sultan confirmed that the crescent moon was sighted in almost every part of the country on Tuesday, the 29th day of Sha’aban, marking the beginning of the Ramadan fast.
“His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has accepted reports from moonsighting committees nationwide and accordingly declared Wednesday, 18th February, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan 1447AH,” the statement partly read.
The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in collaboration with the National Moonsighting Committee, received confirmations from Islamic leaders across the country. Muslims are therefore advised to commence fasting on Wednesday in line with Islamic teachings.
Highlighting the spiritual significance of the month, Sultan Abubakar called on Muslims to dedicate their prayers to addressing insecurity in parts of the country and to support national leadership in tackling security challenges.
“Muslims should use this sacred month to pray for peace, protection, and guidance for our leaders as the nation faces security challenges,” the Sultan said.
The announcement underscores the role of Ramadan not only as a period of fasting and spiritual reflection but also as an opportunity for Nigerians to unite in prayer and seek divine intervention for the country’s wellbeing.