Sultan of Sokoto asks Muslims to look for Ramadan crescent on Tuesday

‎The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has announced that the crescent moon for Ramadan 1447 A.H. should be sought on the evening of Tuesday, 17th February 2026.

‎The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, made the declaration in the press statement signed by Prof Is-haq Oloyede, Secretary-General, NSCIA and made available to Media Houses yesterday.

‎According to the Sultan, if the moon is sighted on Tuesday, February 17, Ramadan will commence on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Otherwise, fasting will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

‎He said the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), in collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), has made arrangements for the official observation.

‎The Council also criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for scheduling elections during Ramadan, saying it was “not unexpected” and that they would be watching closely. “We are watching very closely and expecting an immediate review,” the statement warned.

‎The NSCIA urged Muslims to remain resolute in their faith, quoting the Quran: “Inna ma’al ‘usri yusra” (“Verily, with hardship comes ease”).

‎“Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.” (Q. Al-Baqarah 2:185)

‎Muslims are encouraged to use the occasion of Ramadan to reflect, repent, and pray for succour.

‎What you should know

‎Muslims believe Ramadan is the month when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad nearly 1,450 years ago.

‎Throughout the month, Muslims observe fast from just before the sunrise prayer, Fajr, to the sunset prayer, Maghrib.

‎The fast entails abstinence from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual relations to achieve greater “taqwa”, or consciousness of God.

‎Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the Muslim declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and performing the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca if physically and financially capable.

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