Breaking: NSCIA Announces Commencement of Ramadan 2026
- The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has announced the commencement of Ramadan 2026 based on moon sighting
- Ramadan fasting is scheduled to begin on February 18 or 19, contingent on the crescent moon visibility
- The council also addressed challenges facing Nigerian Muslims and emphasised the importance of community support during Ramadan
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has declared the commencement of Ramadan 2026 and called on Muslims in the country to begin fasting while they remain steadfast amid the challenges facing their communities.
The NSCIA confirmed that the crescent moon for the month of Ramadan should be sighted on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, (29th Sha’aban 1447 A.H.), under the leadership of its President-General and Amirul Mumineen, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
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When is Ramadan 2026 starting?
According to the council, Wednesday, February 18, would be the first day of the holy month should the crescent moon be observed on Tuesday, and if not, the 2026 Ramadan will commence on February 19.
Vanguard reported that the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC), in collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), has started monitoring the appearance of the crescent moon and advised Muslim leaders accordingly.
In a message to the Muslim community, the NSCIA acknowledged that Nigerian Muslims have been confronted with challenges over the years, including the growing Islamophobic narratives, insurgents and bandits' attacks, as well as perceived bias in the media reports. The council then highlighted the incidents in Southern Kaduna, Kwara, Kebbi and Maiduguri and decried the framing of Muslims as aggressors in some cases.
How the world celebrates Ramadan
Ramadan is celebrated in different ways across the world, marking the special moment of Iftar (the opening of one's fast) with gatherings, household decorations and traditional foods to celebrate its arrival.
According to tradition, fasting begins at dawn, before which a modest meal known as 'suhoor' will be taken and ends at sunset, referred to as 'Iftar'. Between the two meals, Muslims taking part in the fasting period will take in nothing, not even water.
Ramadan fasting is compulsory for all Muslims across the world. This is a moment when the Muslims exercise holiness and refrain from doing ungodly.
It is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and it is regarded as the holiest month for Muslims. The fasting month is expected to either be February 18 or 19, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Source: Twitter
Yoruba Imams and Alfas announce Ramadan commencement date
Legit.ng earlier reported that the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, mentioned when the Ramadan fasting will commence in 2025.
According to a statement from the office of the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, tarawih prayer will be observed on Friday, February 28, while Ramadan fasting will commence on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
The statement maintained that the announcement has been its practice for decades, and it was done after a series of meetings with the League of Imams and Alfas' leadership and professionals.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
