The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has officially announced that the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH will begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, marking the start of the annual period of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection for Muslims across Southwest Nigeria.

In a communique released following a meeting in Bodija, Ibadan, on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, declared the decision based on precise astronomical calculations and longstanding international Islamic resolutions on unifying the Hijri calendar.

The statement highlighted that the astronomical conjunction (new moon) for Ramadan will occur at 12:01 PM UTC on Tuesday, February 17, 2026—corresponding to 1:01 PM local Nigerian time—on the 29th of Sha'ban 1447 AH. This timing makes sighting the crescent moon impossible on the evening of February 17, confirming Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of fasting.

The announcement draws on key historical precedents, including resolutions from the Unified Hijri Calendar Committee session in Istanbul (November 27-30, 1978), the International Fiqh Council, scholarly symposia in Paris (2012), and the major International Conference on the Unification of the Hijri Calendar in Istanbul (2016), attended by representatives from over 90 countries.

Emphasising unity, the communique quoted the Qur'an (3:103): "And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided." It urged Muslims to strengthen brotherhood, perfect their fasting, prayers, charity, and good deeds, and seek Allah's acceptance of their worship during the blessed month.

The declaration aligns with several Nigerian media reports and astronomical expectations for the region, where Ramadan 2026 is widely anticipated to commence on February 18 (with Tarawih prayers potentially beginning the evening before). While national moon-sighting efforts led by the Sultan of Sokoto continue, the League's methodology—combining science and established fiqh principles—provides clarity for Yoruba Muslim communities in states like Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti.

As the current date stands on February 6, 2026, preparations are intensifying: markets are stocking dates, prayer mats, and provisions; mosques are scheduling increased Taraweeh recitations; and families are renewing intentions for a month of mercy, forgiveness, and community support.

The League called on all Muslims to hold fast to faith and unity, praying that Allah makes this Ramadan a source of immense blessings. Insha Allah, the fast begins in just 12 days.