Sultan confirms moon sighting, declares Feb 18 first day of Ramadan 2026

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.

He stated that the crescent moon was sighted in almost every part of the country on Tuesday, the 29th day of the month of Sha’aban, signifying that Wednesday, February 18, is the first day of Ramadan 1447.

Sultan Abubakar, according to a press statement made available to newsmen in Sokoto on Tuesday and signed by the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Wali Junaid, “called on the entire Muslim community in the country to commence the fast on Wednesday in accordance with the teachings of Islam.”

He said the council received reports of the moon sighting from many Islamic leaders across the country, which signifies the commencement of the Ramadan fast on Wednesday.

He “urged Muslims to use the month of Ramadan to pray against the insecurity ravaging some parts of the country.”

He also called on Muslims across the country to use the month to continue praying for the leaders and for an end to insecurity in the country.

PUNCH Online earlier reported on Tuesday afternoon that Saudi Arabia had sighted the crescent moon and consequently declared Wednesday as the first day of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.