By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has directed Muslims across Nigeria to begin moon-sighting on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026 in preparation for the start of Ramadan 1447 AH.
In a statement issued by the NSCIA and signed by its Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Muslims are being asked to observe the western horizon immediately after sunset on Tuesday for the appearance of the Ramadan crescent moon (hilal), a key traditional practice used to determine the beginning of the Islamic holy month of fasting.
According to the statement, if the crescent moon is sighted, the first day of fasting (Ramadan) will be declared for Wednesday, February 18, 2026. If it is not seen, the fasting period will instead begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
The NSCIA added that the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), working with other traditional and religious leaders, has put arrangements in place to verify credible sightings from across the country.
Moon sighting is an age-old Islamic tradition whereby the lunar calendar used to mark months such as Ramadan and is confirmed by visually observing the new crescent rather than solely relying on astronomical calculations.
The Sultan’s directive comes as Muslims prepare to enter the 30-day month of fasting, which involves dawn-to-sunset abstention from food and drink, increased prayer, reflection, and community activities.
Religious observers say the annual moon-sighting announcement remains a unifying moment for the Muslim community in Nigeria, drawing families and congregations together as they anticipate the sacred season of devotion and charity.
