Clerics in Yorubaland Mention Actual Date Ramadan Will Begin in Region
- Muslim leaders in Yorubaland confirmed that the Ramadan fast would begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, following a key meeting in Ibadan
- The League of Imams and Alfas explained that the date was set using astronomical calculations and international Islamic resolutions
- They also announced that Ramadan would last 30 days this year, with Eid-el-Fitr expected on Thursday, March 19, 2026
Islamic leaders under the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland announced that the Ramadan fast would begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
The declaration followed a meeting held in Ibadan and was read to journalists by the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola.
Source: Getty Images
Meeting of senior Islamic leaders
According to PM News, the meeting brought together senior Islamic figures, including the President-General of the League, the Chief Imams of Ibadanland, Ogun State, Osun State and Ondo State, alongside other scholars from the six South-West states of Nigeria.
Ramadan date based on astronomical calculations
In a communique issued after the meeting, the League explained that the date was chosen using astronomical calculations and international Islamic resolutions on the Islamic calendar.
According to the League, the new moon for Ramadan would occur on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 1:01 pm Nigerian time, confirming that fasting should begin the next day.
International Islamic resolutions guide decision
The League stated that its decision followed resolutions from several international Islamic conferences held in Istanbul, Paris and other cities, where scholars and astronomers agreed on the use of accurate scientific calculations to determine Islamic months.
Ramadan to last 30 days in 2026
The League further announced that Ramadan would last 30 days this year. It explained that there would be no chance of sighting the moon on March 18, 2026, which meant fasting could not end after 29 days. The new moon for Shawwal, marking the end of Ramadan, would appear on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Eid-el-Fitr will not come early
As a result, Muslims were told they would complete 30 days of fasting, and Eid-el-Fitr would not come early. The League called on Muslims to prepare spiritually and to observe the fasting in peace and unity.
This announcement provided clarity for Muslims in Yorubaland and across the South-West region as they prepared for the holy month.
Source: Getty Images
Ramadan: Sultan announces date for moon sighting
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Sultanate Council has directed Muslims across Nigeria to begin the search for the new moon of Sha’aban 1447 AH on Monday, January 19, 2026, ahead of preparations for the 2026 Ramadan fast.
The directive was contained in a statement issued by the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs under the Sultanate Council and signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Sambo Junaidu.
According to the statement, Monday corresponds with the 29th day of Rajab 1447 AH, which, in line with Islamic tradition, is the appropriate day to sight the crescent that will determine the commencement of Sha’aban. Muslims across the country were urged to actively participate in the moon-sighting exercise and report any credible sighting to the nearest District Head or Village Head, who would then convey the information to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, through the appropriate channels.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
