Breaking: Crescent sighted in Nigeria for Ramadan 2026
- Nigeria's Sultanate confirmed Ramadan crescent sightings from three locations ahead of the holy month
- Muslims in Nigeria will observe Ramadan starting February 18, 2026, lasting either 29 or 30 days
- Fasting during Ramadan fosters personal accountability and sincerity, according to Islamic scholars
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering religious activities in Nigeria and worldwide.
Sokoto, Sokoto State - The Sultanate has confirmed receiving reports of Ramadan crescent sightings from three locations across Nigeria.
Legit.ng reports that in a statement on Tuesday night, February 17, Umar Jubril Simwal, an ally of Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), and a prominent member of the National Moonsighting Committee, said the sightings were verified by authorities in the respective areas.
Source: Facebook
From the pre-dawn hours of Wednesday, February 18, Muslims in Nigeria will begin observing Ramadan 2026.
Simwal said via X:
"His Eminence is currently abroad, and an official announcement will soon be made by the Shehu of Borno, who is the deputy president general of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs."
Ramadan is the month in which it is believed that the Holy Qur'an was sent down from heaven "as a guidance for men and women, a declaration of direction, and a means of salvation." During this month, Muslims observe a strict fast from dawn until sunset.
How long will Ramadan 2026 last?
Ramadan lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon that marks the end of the month.
For 2026, Nigeria’s astronomical forecasts indicate that Ramadan is likely to be a 30-day month, subject to official moon sighting confirmation.
How Nigeria determines first day of Ramadan
In Nigeria, the question of when the holy month begins is answered not by a calendar alone, but by a carefully structured process that blends centuries-old tradition with modern scientific precision.
Days before Ramadan, the country’s Moon Sighting Committee, which is made up of Islamic scholars and experts, holds a meeting to deliberate the visibility of the crescent moon that marks the beginning of the lunar month.
The crescent of Ramadan is sought after sunset on the 29th day of Sha’ban, the month preceding Ramadan, by directing observation towards the western horizon.
The newborn crescent appears as a very thin arc, with its horns pointing upward and leaning slightly southward. If the crescent is sighted, Ramadan begins the following day. If not, Sha’ban is completed as 30 days.
Ramadan: Fasting builds sincerity and integrity
Meanwhile, in an exclusive chat with Legit.ng, Abu Juwayriyyah Mukhtar Olayinka, a Lagos-based Islamic teacher, discussed the devotion associated with Ramadan. He explained that fasting is a way to cultivate personal accountability and integrity, while also strengthening trust in oneself.
He said:
"Scholars have said fasting requires ikhlas (sincerity). Here is someone who says, 'I am not eating or drinking for the sake of Allah; I remain patient in the face of hunger and restrain my desires for His sake.' What protects him when he is alone, with no one watching, is his deep sincerity. And that is one of the most fundamental, important skills that a believer can have. Fasting develops this sincerity in us."
Read also
Ramadan 2026: Islamic scholar lists 10 common mistakes Muslims must avoid during holy month
Source: Twitter
Read more about Ramadan 2026:
- Ramadan 2026: Jubilation as Nigerian governor rolls out N1bn for feeding for 34,000 daily meals
- Ramadan 2026: List of countries that have officially confirmed first day of fasting
Yoruba Imams set Ramadan date
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Muslim leaders in Yorubaland confirmed that the Ramadan fast would begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, following a key meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The League of Imams and Alfas explained that the date was set using astronomical calculations and international Islamic resolutions.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
