The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has announced that Wednesday, February 18, 2026, marks the first day of Ramadan following the sighting of the crescent moon across the country.
In a statement issued in Sokoto and signed by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Wali Junaid, the Sultan said confirmed reports from Islamic leaders nationwide indicated that the new moon was sighted on Tuesday, the 29th of Sha’aban, signalling the beginning of Ramadan 1447 AH.
He therefore called on Muslims to commence fasting on Wednesday in line with Islamic teachings.
The Sultan also urged the faithful to use the holy month as a period of prayer and reflection, particularly for peace, national unity, and an end to insecurity affecting parts of the country. He encouraged continued prayers for Nigeria’s leaders and for lasting stability.
Earlier, Saudi Arabia had similarly announced the start of Ramadan after confirming its own crescent moon sighting, with fasting beginning on the same day.
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