As Nigerian Muslims intensify spiritual preparations for the forthcoming fasting season, the (NSCIA) has formally called on the faithful across the country to search for the crescent marking the beginning of Ramadan immediately after sunset on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
The directive was contained in a statement released Sunday evening in Abuja and signed by the Secretary-General of the Council, Professor Is-haq Oloyede. The statement, made available to journalists, outlined the traditional and religious procedures for determining the commencement of the holy month, in accordance with Islamic jurisprudence.
According to the Council, if the crescent (hilāl) of Ramadan is sighted on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, His Eminence, the , who also serves as President-General of the NSCIA, will officially proclaim Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan 1447 A.H.
However, the statement clarified that if the crescent is not sighted on the said evening, then Thursday, February 19, 2026, will automatically be observed as the first day of Ramadan, in line with established Islamic principles which stipulate the completion of thirty days of Sha’aban where the new moon is not visible.
The Council emphasized the importance of adherence to due process in moon sighting, urging Muslims to report credible and verified sightings to designated Islamic authorities and committees across the states. It reiterated that the final declaration rests solely with the Sultan of Sokoto, whose pronouncement remains binding on Muslims nationwide.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a sacred period marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, increased devotion, charity, and communal solidarity. The month-long observance is one of the five pillars of Islam and holds profound spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide.
The NSCIA further encouraged the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria to use the period for prayers for national peace, unity, and economic stability. It called on clerics and community leaders to promote harmony, discipline, and compassion throughout the fasting season.
As anticipation builds across mosques and households, Islamic organisations and state moon-sighting committees are expected to mobilise observers in various locations to ensure accurate confirmation of the crescent, in keeping with prophetic tradition and longstanding religious practice.
The announcement sets the stage for what is expected to be a period of renewed spiritual reflection and communal engagement among millions of Nigerian Muslims preparing to observe Ramadan 1447 A.H.
