Sultan Of Sokoto Asks Muslims To Begin Ramadan Moon Sighting On Tuesday

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 new crescent moon marking 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 observe the sky after sunset and promptly report any confirmed sighting of the crescent moon to their respective village or district heads or directly to the Sultanate Council through designated communication channels.

The directive forms part of the traditional Islamic process used to determine the official commencement of the holy month, which is based on verified moon sightings.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a sacred period dedicated to fasting, prayers, spiritual reflection, charity, and community service.

The month also commemorates the period when the Holy Qur’an is believed to have been revealed to Prophet Muhammad.

The annual observance, regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam, typically lasts between 29 and 30 days, depending on the lunar cycle and confirmed crescent sightings.