RAMADAN: NSCIA notes attempts to criminalise Islam, Muslims in Nigeria, as it urges search for new moon
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
“The agenda of the secessionist elements and bigoted religious leaders is to turn Nigeria to a war theatre where Muslims would be annihilated in millions through the spurious ‘Christian Genocide’ that was manipulated to gain the attention of imperial powers.”
The Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called on Muslims across the country to begin the search for the crescent moon marking the start of Ramadan 1447 A.H. immediately after sunset on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, corresponding to 29th Sha’aban 1447 A.H.
In a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, the Council, under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the forthcoming fasting season.
The Council disclosed that the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), in collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), has made necessary arrangements to officially observe and verify credible moon sightings.
According to the NSCIA, if the crescent is sighted on Tuesday evening, the Sultan of Sokoto will declare Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan. However, if the moon is not sighted, Thursday, February 19, 2026, will automatically mark the commencement of the holy month, in line with Islamic jurisprudence.
“It is another Ramadan season and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Amirul Mumineen, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, congratulates the entire Muslim Ummah on the forthcoming month of fasting. The crescent of the holy month should be searched for immediately after sunset on Tuesday, 17th February 2026 which is equivalent to 29th Sha’aban 1447 A.H. “So, whoever among you witnesses the month, let the person fast in it…” (Q.2:185).
“The National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), which monthly searches and reports on moon sighting, has, as usual, put facilities in place to officially observe the process, in consultation with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), and advise the leadership of the Nigerian Ummah.
“In accordance with the Shari’ah, if the crescent is sighted on the said evening, then His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, shall declare Wednesday, 18th February 2026 as the first day of Ramadan this year. If, however, the crescent is not sighted that day, then, Thursday, 19th February 2026, automatically becomes the first of Ramadan, 1447 A.H.
“Details of the traditional rulers, religious leaders and members of the NMSC who should be contacted on the credible sighting of the crescent of Ramadan are available at www.nscia.com.ng/nmsc/”, the NSCIA said in the statement.
Targeting Muslims in Nigeria with negative narratives
Muslims have found themselves in the vortex of heightened Islamophobic hysteria that seeks to criminalise Muslims through spinning narratives that are inconsistent with the reality of insecurity in Nigeria.
Beyond the Ramadan announcement, the Council expressed concern over what it described as growing Islamophobia and negative narratives targeting Muslims in Nigeria. It stated that Muslims have faced security challenges over the past year, including insurgency, banditry, and communal violence, while also being subjected to what it termed unfair media portrayals.
The NSCIA referenced past and recent incidents involving individuals of different faiths, arguing that crimes committed by Muslims are often generalized to the wider Islamic community, while similar actions by individuals from other religious backgrounds are not treated in the same manner.
The Council also noted complaints received following the scheduling of upcoming general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which it said coincide with the Ramadan fasting period and a potential Eid al-Fitr celebration day. It called for a review of the timetable and assured that it would continue to monitor developments.
“Meanwhile, it is obvious that the last one year has been a trying period for Islam and Muslims in Nigeria, just like millions of other Muslims across the world. Muslims have found themselves in the vortex of heightened Islamophobic hysteria that seeks to criminalise Muslims through spinning narratives that are inconsistent with the reality of insecurity in Nigeria.
“The agenda of the secessionist elements and bigoted religious leaders is to turn Nigeria to a war theatre where Muslims would be annihilated in millions through the spurious ‘Christian Genocide’ that was manipulated to gain the attention of imperial powers.
“In this unprecedented anti-Islamic obsession, Muslims are being asked to denounce what they did not endorse while those who have been victims of attacks are being framed as aggressors. Muslims have thus become “double victims” who are on the one hand the major victims of Boko Haram, banditry and Lakurawa, the most heinous of such incidents happening in the underreported gruesome murder of about 200 Muslims in Kwara state and also, on the other hand, the victims of negative narratives that erase Muslim suffering.
“The culture of inequality against Muslims is being entrenched because Christians have foreign powers to defend them while Muslims appear defenseless.
“In all this, the media have consistently failed to uphold the principles of truth, fairness and objectivity in matters concerning Muslims. These assertions can be illustrated with the deliberate attempt to demonise Islam and Muslims by the media in the case of Yunusa (a Muslim) versus Eze Oruru (a Christian) in 2015, with the incident sensationalised as Muslim jihad to forcefully convert a Christian minor into Islam. Then, a media mob trial of Muslims in general preceded the eventual trial and conviction of Yunusa.
“Conversely, in 2026, it is now public that for years, one Christian, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi had abducted a Muslim minor, Walida Abdullahi, and allegedly forced her both into marriage and conversion to Christianity. Yet, no one has condemned Christianity or Christians for this individual act. No faith community is accused of complicity.
“Similarly, Muslims in Nigeria and Islam are being taunted, scandalised and condemned because a mob with a Muslim identity took law into their hands and murdered Deborah for an alleged blasphemy. In contrast, pastor Dio Idon of ECWA, Kasuwan Magani, Southern Kaduna, was on 4th January 2026, killed and totally burnt by a Christian mob that accused him of witchcraft. However, the media have been silent on the religion of the mob in the Christian dominated community.
“The recent attempt to Christianise the victimhood of Muslim worshippers in Maiduguri by Channels television and the hasty Christianisation of the unfortunate abducted girls in Kebbi are also still fresh in our memory.
“In particular, the Council appreciates the avalanche of complaints lodged at its secretariat, following the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that not only will the presidential election hold during Ramadan, but also the gubernatorial election is slated for a probable Eidul Fitr day.
“While to the Council this audacious announcement by INEC was not unexpected, it is quite interesting that INEC has shown Muslims early what to expect. We are watching very closely and expecting an immediate review. The Council is also hopeful that the unprecedented Islamic awareness and vigilance generated by recent events in and about Nigeria will not be made to fade among the Ummah,” it said.
Advice to Muslims
“In spite of these mounting challenges and attacks against Islam, the Council uses this occasion of Ramadan to encourage Muslims to remain resolute in their belief in Allah as demonstrated by the early Muslims when they also faced existential challenges posed by the hegemons of their day. With sincerity of purpose, calmness, commitment to virtues and power of prayers, Allah will improve on any situation and grant Muslims succour.”
Despite the concerns raised, the NSCIA urged Muslims to remain steadfast, peaceful, and prayerful during Ramadan, emphasizing values of justice, righteousness, and coexistence. It prayed for peace, protection, and unity in Nigeria, and encouraged the faithful to use the holy month for spiritual reflection, devotion, and moral discipline.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, and charity, commemorating the revelation of the Qur’an.
“Inna ma’al ‘usri yusra,” meaning after hardship comes ease, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs expressed hope.
The statement said, “In spite of these mounting challenges and attacks against Islam, the Council uses this occasion of Ramadan to encourage Muslims to remain resolute in their belief in Allah as demonstrated by the early Muslims when they also faced existential challenges posed by the hegemons of their day. With sincerity of purpose, calmness, commitment to virtues and power of prayers, Allah will improve on any situation and grant Muslims succour.
“The Council prays that Allah continue to protect our country and nation. Amin.
“Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the decisive authority. So, whoever among you witnesses the month, let the person fast in it. But, whoever is ill or on a journey, then let the person fast an equal number of days after Ramadan. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful. (Q. Al-Baqarah 2:185)
“Also take heed that: Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes – from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly. (Q. 60:8)
“We pray Allah to enable us reach, observe and outlive 1447 A.H. Ramadan in sound health and tranquility. May He generate in us the ability to spend the days of Ramadan in sober reflection, the nights in sincere devotion and repentance, seal our eyes from what is foul, our mouths from what is vile, our ears from evil and our hearts from the vicious. Amin,” said the NSCIA in the statement by Profesor Is-haq Oloyede, CON, FNAL, Kuliyan Sokoto, its Secretary-General.
