The Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, has declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan 1447AH following the sighting of the crescent moon across the country.
The declaration was made after confirming reports that the new moon was sighted on Tuesday, the 29th day of Sha’aban, signalling the commencement of the Ramadan fast.
In a press statement made available to journalists in Sokoto and signed by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Wali Junaid, the Sultan stated that the crescent moon was sighted in almost every part of the country earlier on Tuesday, which signifies February 18 as the first day of Ramadan 1447AH.
He noted that the council received information of the moon sighting from Islamic leaders across the country, confirming the start of the Ramadan fast on Wednesday.
The Sultan therefore called on Muslim communities nationwide to commence the fast in accordance with Islamic teachings. He also urged Muslims to use the holy month to pray for peace and stability in the country, especially in light of the insecurity affecting some parts of Nigeria.
He further encouraged the faithful to continue praying for the nation’s leaders and seek divine intervention in addressing the country’s security challenges.
