Yorubaland Islamic Leaders Confirm Ramadan 2026 Commencement Date
Muslim religious authorities across Yorubaland have officially declared that the holy month of Ramadan for the year 2026 will commence on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. This significant announcement provides crucial guidance for millions of Muslims preparing for spiritual observance throughout Nigeria's South-West region.
Historic Meeting in Ibadan Sets Sacred Calendar
The definitive date was established during a major gathering of Islamic scholars held in Ibadan, Oyo State. Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, formally presented the declaration to journalists following the conclave. This meeting brought together the highest echelons of Islamic leadership, including the President-General of the League of Imams and Alfas, along with Chief Imams representing Ibadanland, Ogun State, Osun State, and Ondo State.
Numerous other distinguished scholars from all six South-West Nigerian states participated in the deliberations, ensuring regional consensus on this important religious matter. The collective wisdom of these leaders has provided clarity and unity for the Muslim community as they approach the sacred fasting period.
Scientific Calculations and International Consensus Guide Decision
The League of Imams and Alfas emphasized that their determination was not arbitrary but grounded in precise astronomical calculations and respected international Islamic resolutions. According to their detailed communique, the new moon signaling Ramadan's beginning will occur on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 1:01 PM Nigerian time.
This scientific approach follows resolutions established at multiple international Islamic conferences held in major global cities including Istanbul and Paris. At these gatherings, Islamic scholars and astronomers worldwide agreed upon using accurate scientific methodologies to determine the commencement of Islamic lunar months, blending religious tradition with modern astronomical science.
Complete Thirty-Day Fasting Period Announced
In addition to announcing the start date, the League confirmed that Ramadan 2026 will span a full thirty days. Their astronomical projections indicate that moon sighting will not be possible on March 18, 2026, thereby eliminating any possibility of concluding the fast after twenty-nine days. Consequently, Eid-el-Fitr, the festival marking Ramadan's end, is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026.
This clarification ensures Muslims understand they will complete the entire thirty-day fasting period, with no expectation of an early celebration. The League has called upon all Muslims to commence their spiritual preparations, emphasizing observance in an atmosphere of peace, unity, and devout reflection.
Coordinated National Moon Sighting Efforts
This regional announcement aligns with broader national preparations coordinated by Nigeria's highest Islamic authority. The Sultanate Council has previously directed Muslims nationwide to begin searching for the new moon of Sha'aban 1447 AH on Monday, January 19, 2026, initiating the process that leads to Ramadan observance.
This directive, issued by the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs under the Sultanate Council, follows Islamic tradition where the 29th day of Rajab marks the appropriate time for crescent sighting to determine Sha'aban's commencement. Muslims across Nigeria are encouraged to participate actively in moon-sighting exercises and report credible sightings through established traditional channels to the Sultan of Sokoto.
The synchronized efforts between national and regional Islamic authorities demonstrate organized leadership in guiding Nigeria's Muslim population through important religious observances. As Yorubaland Muslims now have definitive dates, they can plan their spiritual activities, charitable giving, and community engagements for the holy month with certainty and focused devotion.
