Sultan declares start of Ramadan

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan 1447AH following the sighting of the crescent moon.

The announcement was made in Sokoto on Tuesday in a statement signed by Professor Sambo Wali Junaid, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council.

According to the statement, reports of the new moon were received from Islamic leaders and moon-sighting committees across the country on the 29th day of Sha’aban.

The Sultan therefore called on Muslims nationwide to commence the Ramadan fast on Wednesday in line with Islamic injunctions.

He urged the faithful to use the sacred month to pray for peace, unity and stability in Nigeria, especially amid ongoing security challenges.

The Sultan also encouraged prayers for the nation’s leaders, asking Allah to grant them wisdom in addressing the country’s pressing issues.

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