Muslims and Christians across Nigeria today begin their respective religious observances of Ramadan and Lent, marking a significant period of fasting and spiritual reflection for both faiths.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon signalling the start of Ramadan 2026.
In a statement by Sambo Junaidu, chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, the leader of Muslims in Nigeria said verified reports of moon sightings were received from various parts of the country and carefully authenticated.
“After due verification and authentication of the reports received from across the country, the Sultanate Council has accepted the sighting of the new moon. Consequently, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, marks the first day of Ramadan 1447AH,” the statement read.
The Sultan was represented by Shehu Abubakar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi, the Shehu of Borno, during the announcement.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar during which Muslims worldwide observe fasting from dawn until sunset as an act of worship and spiritual discipline. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Meanwhile, the Lenten season for Christians also begins today, as Catholic faithful observe Ash Wednesday. Lent is a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving leading up to Easter Sunday, commemorating Jesus Christ’s 40 days of fasting in the wilderness.
The simultaneous commencement of both religious observances highlights Nigeria’s diverse religious landscape and the shared tradition of fasting as a spiritual practice across faiths.
