The Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs also confirmed the Ramadan crescent sightings from three different locations in Nigeria.
Following the moon sightings, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Wednesday, 18th February 2026, as the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH.
Sultan Abubakar, “called on the entire Muslim community in the country to commence the fast on Wednesday in accordance with the teachings of Islam.”
This was contained in a statement signed by the Waziri of Sokoto, His Highness Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu. The Sultan of Sokoto felicitates with Muslims across Nigeria, wishing them Allah’s guidance and blessings.
He also urged Muslims to use the Ramadan period to pray for the peace, progress and development of Nigeria.
Sultan, “urged Muslims to use the month of Ramadan to pray against the insecurity ravaging some parts of the country.”
Earlier today, the crescent moon was sighted in Saudi Arabia, signalling the beginning of Ramadan fasting on Wednesday.
According to Inside Haramain, a publication of the Two Holy Mosques, the moon was spotted on Tuesday evening, which means February 17 is the last day of the month of Sha’ban that precedes Ramadan.
“Ramadan 1447/2026 Crescent has been SIGHTED. Subsequently, tomorrow, i.e., Wednesday, 18 February 2026, will be the first day of Ramadan 1447,” the post reads.
Ramadan fasting is determined by the lunar Islamic calendar, in which months span either 29 or 30 days.
Muslims across the globe commence and conclude fasting in the month based on the sighting of the crescent moon.
Recall that on Monday, Sultan urged Muslims across Nigeria to commence the search for the new moon of Ramadan 1447 AH on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
The call was contained in an official statement issued in Sokoto on Monday by the Sultanate Council and signed by Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sambo Junaidu.
“Muslims who sight the crescent moon after sunset on Tuesday are expected to immediately report the sighting to the Sultan through designated contact numbers provided by the council.
“Muslims across the country are hereby requested to look out for the new moon of Ramadan 1447 AH on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and to report any credible sighting to the Sultan of Sokoto promptly,” the statement read.
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