Sultan of Sokoto urges Muslims to look out for Ramadan moon Tuesday
By KEMI KASUMU
The Sultan of Sokoto and Leader of the Muslim Ummah of Nigeria, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims across Nigeria to begin the search for the new moon of Ramadan night of Tuesday February 17, 2026.
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The appeal was conveyed in a statement issued on February 16, 2026, and signed by Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.
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According to the statement, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, corresponds to the 29th day of Sha’aban 1447AH in the Islamic calendar.
Muslims are therefore requested to look out for the new moon of Ramadan 1447AH after sunset on Tuesday and report any sighting to the nearest District or Village Head as well as Islamic leaders across the country, as already listed by the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), for onward communication to the Sultan.
The NSCIA president-general, according to the statement, prayed for divine assistance in fulfilling the religious obligation.
If the new moon is sighted and officially announced by the Sultan, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, will mark the first day of Ramadan 1447AH.
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However, if the moon is not sighted, Sha’aban will complete 30 days, making Thursday, February 19, 2026, the first day of Ramadan.
