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The Digest:

Saudi Arabia has announced that Wednesday, February 18, 2026, will be the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH, following the sighting of the crescent moon by its moon-sighting committee on Tuesday. The Saudi Supreme Court confirmed the sighting, stating: "Crescent has been SIGHTED. Subsequently, tomorrow will be the first day of Ramadan." Nigerian Muslims are still awaiting the announcement from the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), which advised believers to look out for the crescent after sunset on Tuesday. If sighted by "Muslims of impeccable character," Sultan of Sokoto Saad Abubakar will declare Wednesday as Ramadan's first day. Otherwise, fasting will begin Thursday, February 19. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide with fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity.

Key Points:
  • The confirmation of Ramadan's start unites over 1.8 billion Muslims globally in worship.
  • It determines the fasting schedule for Nigerian Muslims, depending on local sighting.
  • Faithful gain spiritual clarity, while the Sultan's announcement guides national observance.
  • This signals the importance of lunar sightings in Islamic practice.
  • The timing, with Saudi's announcement, sets global expectations.
Nigerian Muslims await the Sultan's declaration, with fasting expected to begin either Wednesday or Thursday following the crescent moon sighting.

Sources: Premium Times, Saudi Supreme Court, NSCIA