Ramadan 2026: Sultan of Sokoto Urges Muslims to Begin Crescent Moon Search Across Nigeria
The President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims across Nigeria to begin the traditional search for the crescent moon marking the start of Ramadan 1447 AH.
In a formal statement released by the council, Muslim faithful were instructed to look out for the new moon immediately after sunset on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, corresponding with the 29th day of Sha’aban in the Islamic calendar. The sighting of the crescent moon will determine the official commencement of fasting for the holy month of Ramadan.
According to the statement, if the crescent is sighted on Tuesday evening and confirmed through official channels, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, will be declared the first day of Ramadan. However, if the moon is not sighted, fasting will automatically begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026, in line with Islamic tradition and jurisprudence.
The directive was issued through the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), which is responsible for coordinating and verifying moon sightings across the country. The committee noted that arrangements have been put in place nationwide to ensure accurate observation and prompt reporting of credible sightings.
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The moon sighting exercise will be conducted in collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), which provides technical and scientific support to complement traditional methods of observation. Verified sightings will be communicated to the Sultan, who holds the authority to formally announce the beginning of Ramadan in Nigeria.
The council extended congratulations to the Muslim community on the approach of the fasting period, describing Ramadan as a time of spiritual reflection, prayer, and discipline. It encouraged Muslims to observe the holy month with sincerity, devotion, and commitment to moral values, despite the various challenges facing the community and the country at large.
In its broader message, the council acknowledged that the past year has been difficult for many Muslims in Nigeria and globally. It referenced security concerns, social tensions, and what it described as growing negative narratives affecting the Muslim community. While highlighting these concerns, the council urged Muslims to remain steadfast in faith, avoid provocation, and continue to promote peace, justice, and mutual respect in society.
The NSCIA also called for unity among Nigerians of different religious and ethnic backgrounds, emphasizing that Ramadan should serve as a period for reflection, tolerance, and compassion. It encouraged Muslims to use the period for prayers for national peace, stability, and prosperity.
In addition, the council expressed hope that relevant authorities would remain sensitive to the needs of Muslims during the Ramadan period, particularly in scheduling national activities and events that may coincide with fasting and religious observances. It stressed the importance of consideration and cooperation in fostering harmony within the country’s diverse society.
The statement concluded with prayers for peace and protection for Nigeria and for all Muslims observing the holy month. It urged the faithful to use Ramadan as an opportunity for spiritual renewal, charity, and acts of kindness toward others.
As Muslims across Nigeria prepare for the sacred month, attention now turns to the skies for the sighting of the crescent moon that will signal the official start of Ramadan 1447 AH.