Ramadan 2026 Begins in Nigeria with Scholar's Guidance
As the holy month of Ramadan commenced in Nigeria on February 18, 2026, following the official crescent sighting confirmation by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar, an Islamic scholar has provided crucial advice to help Muslims observe the period more effectively. In an exclusive interview, Uztas Nurudeen Ibrahim, Director of Academic Planning at Markaz University College in Agege, Lagos, and spokesperson to Sheikh Muhammed Habibullah Adam Abdullah El-Ilory, outlined common pitfalls and recommended practices for the fasting month.
Understanding the Significance of Ramadan
Uztas Nurudeen Ibrahim emphasized the importance of Ramadan, describing it as the ninth month of the Islamic calendar when fasting becomes obligatory for all Muslims. He referenced the Holy Quran, noting that this month marks the beginning of the revelation of the sacred text. His insights aim to enhance spiritual awareness and adherence among the faithful during this sacred time.
10 Common Mistakes to Avoid During Ramadan
The scholar identified ten frequent errors that Muslims should steer clear of to maintain the sanctity of Ramadan:
- Overeating: Consuming excessive food during non-fasting hours can detract from the spiritual focus of Ramadan.
- Sleeping Too Much: Excessive sleep may lead to neglecting prayers and other religious duties.
- Excessive Screen Time: Spending too much time on phones or watching TV for entertainment can distract from worship.
- Missing Taraweeh Prayer: This night prayer, performed before Isha, is crucial and should not be overlooked.
- Delaying Prayers: Prayers should be conducted promptly without postponement.
- Skipping the Sahur Meal: The pre-dawn meal provides essential energy for fasting and should not be omitted.
- Overspending on Iftaar: Extravagance in the evening meal to break the fast can contradict the spirit of moderation.
- Eating Sahur Too Early: Consuming the pre-dawn meal prematurely may reduce its effectiveness in sustaining fasting.
- Missing Maghrib Prayer Due to Iftaar: The fourth daily prayer should not be neglected while breaking the fast.
- Skipping Quran Reading and Dua: Failing to engage in Quran recitation and supplication misses key spiritual opportunities.
Essential Daily Habits for Muslims in Ramadan
In addition to avoiding mistakes, Uztas Nurudeen Ibrahim recommended eight daily practices to cultivate during Ramadan:
- Observing Salat regularly to maintain prayer discipline.
- Eating the pre-dawn meal (Sahur) to support physical endurance.
- Performing Taraweeh prayers to enhance night worship.
- Abstaining from eating, drinking, and other acts that invalidate fasting.
- Choosing good words in speech to promote kindness and patience.
- Giving charities to support those in need and foster community spirit.
- Reading the Quran daily to connect with divine guidance.
- Making excessive Dua (supplication) to seek blessings and forgiveness.
Support Initiatives During Ramadan
Amid these spiritual guidelines, community support efforts are also underway. For instance, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has initiated a food distribution program at Ramat Square, targeting widows, orphans, displaced persons, and low-income workers to alleviate hardship during Ramadan. This aligns with the charitable spirit encouraged by Islamic teachings during the holy month.
By heeding this expert advice, Muslims in Nigeria and beyond can strive for a more meaningful and disciplined Ramadan experience in 2026, focusing on spiritual growth and communal harmony.
