The Sultan of Sokoto has announced Wednesday, February 18, as Ramadan’s first day, urging Muslims to pray for peace.
The Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan 1447 AH, following the sighting of the crescent moon across the country.
The Sultan made the declaration 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 announced that “the crescent moon was sighted in almost every part of the country earlier on Tuesday which is the 29th day of the Month of Shaban and thereby signifies tomorrow 18 of February as the First day of Ramadan 1447.”
He added that “the council got information of the moon sighting from many Islamic leaders cut across the country which he said signifies the start of Ramadan fast on Wednesday.”
The Sultan therefore called on Muslim communities across Nigeria to commence the fast on Wednesday in accordance with Islamic teachings.
He urged Muslims to use the holy month to pray for peace and stability in the country, particularly against the insecurity affecting some parts of the nation.
He also encouraged the faithful to continue to pray for the country’s leaders and seek divine intervention in addressing the security challenges facing Nigeria.