Sultan of Sokoto declares Wednesday, February 18 1st day of Ramadan

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III, has announced that Wednesday, February 18, will mark the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

According to a press statement released in Sokoto on Tuesday and signed by Professor Sambo Wali Junaid, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, the crescent moon was sighted across most parts of Nigeria on Tuesday, the 29th day of Sha’aban.

This confirms Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of Ramadan 1447.

Sultan Abubakar called on the entire Muslim community in the country to commence the fast on Wednesday in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

He noted that reports from Islamic leaders nationwide confirmed the moon sighting, signaling the start of the Ramadan fast.

The Sultan urged Muslims to use the holy month to pray against the insecurity affecting parts of the country and to continue supplicating for national leaders and peace.

Saudi Arabia also sighted the crescent moon, aligning with Nigeria in declaring Wednesday as the first day of fasting for Ramadan.