Sultan declares Wednesday, first day of Ramadan 1447AH
By SUMAYYAH ADEFAKA
His Eminence accepted the verified reports and accordingly declared Wednesday February 18, 2026 as the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims in Nigeria.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar, has officially declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan 1447 After Hijrah, following the confirmed sighting of the new moon in the three locations in the country.
The announcement was contained in a press release issued on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moonsighting Committee.
According to the statement, signed by Chairman of the Committee, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto, reports were received from various Moon Sighting Committees across the country confirming the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan on Tuesday, which corresponds to the 29th day of Sha’aban 1447AH.
His Eminence accepted the verified reports and accordingly declared Wednesday February 18, 2026 as the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims in Nigeria.
The Sultan felicitated with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah on the successful sighting of the crescent.
He urged Muslims to use the sacred month as a period of renewed devotion, spiritual reflection, charity and discipline, while calling on the faithful to continue praying for peace, unity, progress and development in Nigeria.
“The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moonsighting Committee received reports from various Moonsighting Committees across the Country confirming the sighting of the
new moon of Ramadan 1447AH, on Tuesday, 17th February, 2026 which is the 29th day of Sha’aban 1447AH.
“His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has accepted the reports and accordingly declared Wednesday, 18h February, 2026 as the first day of Ramadan 1447AH.
“His Eminence, the Sultan felicitates with the Nigeria Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings. The Sultan while urging the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the Country he also wishes all Muslims a happy Ramadan Kareem. May Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds, amen,” the statement said.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting from dawn to sunset, increased worship and acts of compassion.
