By Our Correspondent
Saudi Arabia has officially announced the commencement of Ramadan 1447 AH following the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the beginning of the holy month of fasting for Muslims in the Kingdom. The confirmation was made after the country’s authorized moon-sighting committees verified the appearance of the new moon in accordance with Islamic tradition.
With the sighting confirmed, Muslims in Saudi Arabia will begin fasting on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The announcement sets the spiritual tone for millions of faithful who will observe a month dedicated to prayer, fasting, charity, and reflection.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is regarded as one of the holiest periods in Islam, commemorating the revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Meanwhile, Muslims in Nigeria are awaiting official confirmation from their religious authorities before commencing the fast. In the country, the responsibility for announcing the start of Ramadan rests with the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto. The council typically calls on Muslims to look out for the crescent moon and report verified sightings before making a formal declaration.
Although some countries align their fasting dates with Saudi Arabia, Nigeria traditionally relies on local moon sightings or authenticated reports within its borders. As a result, the start date of Ramadan in Nigeria may coincide with Saudi Arabia’s announcement or differ by a day, depending on whether the crescent is sighted locally.
The variation in commencement dates highlights the importance of lunar observation in Islamic practice. Since the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, the beginning of each month depends on the physical sighting of the crescent moon, a tradition that has been observed for centuries.
As anticipation builds, Nigerian Muslims remain prepared to begin the sacred month, awaiting an official statement from the NSCIA. Once confirmed, millions across the country will join the global Muslim community in observing a month of devotion, discipline, and spiritual renewal.
