The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has directed Muslims across Nigeria to begin sighting the crescent moon for the commencement of Ramadan 1447 AH on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

In a statement signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, the monarch urged Muslim faithful to look out for the new moon after sunset and report any confirmed sighting to their respective village or district heads, or directly to the Sultanate Council through approved channels.

The directive aligns with the traditional Islamic method of determining the start of Ramadan, which is based on verified crescent moon sightings.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed worldwide as a sacred period of fasting, prayers, reflection, charity, and community service. The holy month commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad and is one of the five pillars of Islam. The fasting period typically lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on lunar observations.

League of Imams Fixes February 18

Meanwhile, Islamic leaders under the umbrella of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland have announced Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan fasting.

The decision was contained in a communiqué presented by the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, following a meeting held in Ibadan.

The meeting was attended by prominent clerics, including the League’s President-General, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello; the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniy Agbotomokekere; the Chief Imam of Ogun State, Sheikh Saadulah Bamgbola; the Chief Imam of Osun State, Sheikh Musa Rabiu Animasahun; and the Grand Chief Imam of Ondo State, Sheikh AbdulHakeem Yayi Akorede, among others.

According to the communiqué, the February 18 date was based on astronomical calculations and resolutions adopted by international Islamic bodies advocating the unification of the Hijri calendar.

The League stated that astronomical data indicate the conjunction of the Ramadan moon will occur at 12:01pm UTC on Tuesday, February 17 (1:01pm Nigerian time), making Wednesday, February 18, the first day of fasting.

“The first day of Ramadan 1447 AH, Insha Allah, will be Wednesday, February 18, 2026,” the communiqué stated.

It further noted that Ramadan would complete 30 days this year, explaining that crescent sighting would not be possible on March 18, the 29th day of Ramadan. The astronomical conjunction for Shawwal is expected on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at about 2:23pm Nigerian time, indicating that fasting would run for a full 30 days before the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.