Muslims Across the World Commence Ramadan Fasting as Crescent Moon is Sighted
Muslims in Nigeria have joined millions of faithful across continents in observing the first fast of Ramadan 1447AH, following the sighting of the crescent moon that heralds the beginning of Islam’s holiest month.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan in Nigeria after verified reports confirmed the sighting of the new moon on Tuesday evening.
The announcement, made through the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee, followed confirmations from various committees across the country. Acting on the recommendations, the Sultan proclaimed the official commencement of fasting for the Nigerian Muslim Ummah.
The declaration aligns Nigeria with several other Muslim-majority and minority countries where religious authorities confirmed the crescent sighting on the 29th of Sha’aban. Across the Middle East, parts of North and West Africa, as well as sections of Asia, similar announcements were made, marking a synchronized spiritual beginning for an estimated 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide.
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In Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s two holiest cities, moon-sighting committees also confirmed the crescent, prompting the start of Ramadan. Religious authorities in United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait issued similar proclamations. In North Africa, countries such as Egypt and Morocco traditionally rely on national moon-sighting bodies to determine the start of the fast, reinforcing the importance of both religious tradition and astronomical verification.
In South Asia, including Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, central Ruet-e-Hilal (moon-sighting) committees met to authenticate reports, while Muslim communities in minority contexts across United Kingdom, United States and Canada followed announcements either from their national councils or from Saudi Arabia, reflecting the diversity of jurisprudential approaches within the global Ummah.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed through fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayer, charity and reflection. The month commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and is regarded as a period of heightened spirituality, compassion and communal solidarity.
In his message to Muslims in Nigeria, the Sultan conveyed warm felicitations and urged the faithful to dedicate the sacred period to prayers for peace, unity, progress and national development. He called on citizens to use the month to strengthen social harmony, especially at a time when many nations face economic, security and humanitarian challenges.
Globally, Ramadan often transcends the purely religious sphere, influencing economic cycles, humanitarian outreach and interfaith engagement. From community iftar meals in major world capitals to expanded charity drives supporting displaced populations in conflict zones, the month reinforces Islam’s emphasis on social justice and collective responsibility.
As the crescent ushers in another Ramadan, Muslims from West Africa to Southeast Asia, from the Gulf to Europe and the Americas, begin a shared journey of devotion, united by faith, yet enriched by cultural diversity in pursuit of spiritual renewal and global peace.
By PRNigeria
