Daud Olatunji
…Urges Muslims To Pray For Nigeria, Support The Needy
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan 1447AH following the sighting of the crescent moon.
The announcement was conveyed in a statement on Tuesday by Sambo Junaidu, Chairman of the Sultanate Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs.
According to the statement, verified reports of the new moon were received from various moon-sighting committees across the country and were carefully authenticated in collaboration with the National Moonsighting Committee.
“The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moonsighting Committee received reports from various Moonsighting Committees across the country confirming the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan 1447AH on Tuesday,” the statement read.
“The Sultan has accepted the reports and accordingly declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan 1447AH.”
With the declaration, millions of Muslims across Nigeria are expected to commence the 29 or 30-day fasting period on Wednesday, in line with Islamic injunctions.
The Sultan urged the Muslim faithful to dedicate themselves to acts of worship, charity and spiritual reflection throughout the holy month. He called on Nigerians to use the Ramadan period to pray for the peace, unity and prosperity of the country.
He also emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence among citizens, regardless of religious or ethnic differences, stressing that national development thrives in an atmosphere of harmony.
The monarch appealed to wealthy individuals and organisations to extend support to the less privileged, noting that such assistance would ease the burden of fasting for vulnerable members of society.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all adult Muslims, except those exempted on health or other valid grounds.
The fasting period is traditionally marked by dawn-to-dusk abstinence from food, drink and other physical needs, alongside increased prayers, charity and recitation of the Qur’an.
The Sultan prayed for divine guidance and wisdom for Nigeria’s leaders as they steer the affairs of the nation.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
