Crescent Moon Sighted as Sultan Declares Start of Ramadan

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has announced Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan following the sighting of the crescent moon.

The declaration was conveyed in a statement issued on Tuesday in Sokoto and signed by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaid. According to the statement, credible reports of the new moon were received from various parts of the country, confirming the commencement of the holy month.

The Sultan subsequently called on Muslims across Nigeria to begin the Ramadan fast on Wednesday in line with Islamic injunctions.

The advisory council noted that reports from Islamic leaders nationwide affirmed the sighting of the crescent, marking the official start of the month-long fast.

In his message, the Sultan urged Muslims to use the sacred period for increased devotion and prayers, particularly for peace, unity and stability in the country amid ongoing security challenges in some regions.

He also encouraged the faithful to pray for Nigeria’s leaders and seek divine intervention for an end to insecurity and other national concerns.