Following the verification of these reports, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), formally declared Wednesday, 18th February 2026, as the first day of Ramadan 1447AH. The Sultan’s announcement is a significant moment for millions of Nigerian Muslims, signaling the beginning of the holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection.
In his message to the Muslim Ummah, the Sultan extended his heartfelt felicitations and invoked Allah’s guidance and blessings upon all believers. He emphasized the importance of unity, peace, and continued prayers for the progress and development of Nigeria. The Sultan also encouraged Muslims to use the sacred month as an opportunity for spiritual renewal, charity, and acts of kindness. He concluded with a prayer, asking Allah (SWT) to accept their worship and devotion throughout Ramadan.
The announcement was formally signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto. The declaration aligns with the Islamic tradition of moon sighting to determine the lunar months, ensuring that the faithful observe Ramadan in unison.
As Muslims across Nigeria prepare for the month-long fast, mosques and Islamic centers are expected to host nightly Tarawih prayers, while communities will engage in increased acts of charity and Quranic recitation. The Sultan’s call for peace resonates deeply in a nation where Ramadan serves as a period of heightened spirituality and communal harmony.
The commencement of Ramadan is also a time for families and friends to come together, share meals at Iftar, and strengthen bonds of brotherhood. The Sultan’s message of goodwill, “Ramadan Kareem,” serves as a reminder of the blessings and mercy associated with the holy month.
With the official declaration, Nigerian Muslims join the global Islamic community in observing Ramadan, a time dedicated to self-discipline, gratitude, and devotion to Allah. The Sultanate Council’s role in guiding the faithful underscores its importance in upholding religious traditions and fostering unity among believers.
As the sun sets on the first day of Ramadan, millions will break their fast with dates and water, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and engage in prayers for personal and national well-being. The Sultan’s leadership in this sacred period highlights the enduring significance of faith in shaping the lives of Nigerians.
May this Ramadan bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment to all. Ramadan Kareem!
