Ramadan fasting begins in Nigeria on Wednesday — Sultan

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH in Nigeria.

The Sultan announced the sighting of the new crescent of Ramadan 1447 AH in a statement issued by the Chairman Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council in Sokoto, Sambo Junaidu, on Tuesday.

He said: “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.

“The Sultan has accepted the reports and accordingly declared Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of Ramadan 1447AH.”

Abubakar urged Muslims to dedicate themselves fully to acts of worship and devotion during the holy month.

He enjoined Nigerians to use the Ramadan period to pray for the progress, peace, and prosperity of the country, adding that prayer for the nation’s leaders was equally important to national growth.

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Abubakar emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence among Muslims and called on wealthy individuals to support the needy and less privileged, making it easier for them to observe the fast.

He prayed for God’s guidance and wisdom for the country’s leaders as they navigate the affairs of the nation.

Abubakar felicitated with the Nigeria Muslim Ummah and wished them Allah’s guidance and blessings.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, communal prayer, reflection, and charity.

Fasting during Ramadan, which lasts for 29 or 30 days, is one of the five pillars of Islam and a compulsory religious obligation for all adult Muslims.

The Star