Istighfar – Ramadan Digest (Day5)

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) emphasized the importance of repentance, stating: “By Allah, I seek forgiveness from Allah and I repent to Him more than seventy times in a day.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6307)

In this blessed month of Ramadan, seeking forgiveness  holds huge significance. It is a time when we turn to Allah, acknowledging our shortcomings and sins, and earnestly seek His mercy and pardon. The act of seeking forgiveness purifies the heart, faith, and strengthens the bond between us and Allah.

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Today’s Taraweeh Prayers at Masjid Al Haram will be led by: Sheikh Bandar Baleelah and Sheikh Abdullah Juhany (Witr)

To accommodate the millions of worshipers expected at Masjid Al Haram, the Presidency has implemented several measures, such as additional areas around the mosque will be allocated for Taraweeh prayers. Advanced systems will ensure smooth movement and safety for pilgrims.

Taraweeh prayers will be streamed globally for those unable to attend in person.

Ramadan Fasting Times Around The World – February 22, 2026 (05 Ramadan 1447H)

National Average – Suhoor ends: 5:36 AM WAT Iftar: 6:40 PM WAT
Abuja – Suhoor ends: 5:31 AM WAT Iftar: 6:41 PM WAT
Lagos – Suhoor ends: 5:45 AM WAT Iftar: 6:59 PM WAT
Kano – Suhoor ends: 5:28 AM WAT Iftar: 6:34 PM WAT
Ghana (Accra) – Suhoor ends: 5:04 AM GMT Iftar: 6:15 PM GMT (according to local Hanafi/Jafari schedules)
Saudi Arabia – Riyadh (and similar central regions) Suhoor ends (Fajr): 05:02 AM (today’s Fajr time) Iftar (Maghrib): 05:52 PM (sunset, when fast is broken) United States (Approximate Locations)
New York – Suhoor ends: 5:25 AM EST Iftar: 5:39 PM EST
Chicago – Suhoor ends: 5:24 AM CST Iftar: 5:39 PM CST (similar to New York adjusted for local sunset)
Los Angeles – Suhoor ends: 5:30 AM PST Iftar: 5:51 PM PST (approximate regional schedule)
Canada (Approximate Major Cities)
Toronto – Suhoor ends: 6:05 AM EST Iftar: 6:10 PM EST (typical regional time)
Montreal – Suhoor ends: 5:55 AM EST Iftar: 6:00 PM EST (typical regional time)
United Kingdom
London -Suhoor ends: 5:30 AM GMT Iftar: 5:50 PM GMT (based on local Ramadan timetables)
Manchester -Suhoor ends: 5:40 AM GMT Iftar: 6:00 PM GMT (typical local schedule)
Asia
China (Beijing) – Suhoor ends: 5:05 AM CST Iftar: 5:50 PM CST (approximate regional timing) Japan (Tokyo) – Suhoor ends: 5:00 AM JST Iftar: 5:30 PM JST (approximate based on regional calendars)

Global Ramadan News & Headlines

Nigeria (Yobe State) – Governor Mai Mala Buni approved N398 million for Ramadan feeding and Tafsir programmes across the state’s 17 local government areas. The plan expands feeding centres from 101 to 130, with each centre serving 100 people daily. Funds also cover food supplies and clerics’ allowances for Qur’anic exegesis sessions.

Nigeria (Abuja) – Zahra Relief Foundation has begun its 2026 Ramadan feeding programme, aiming to provide iftar meals to 10,000 vulnerable people nationwide. The initiative commenced in Maraba, Abuja, and represents a significant expansion from last year’s outreach of 4,000 beneficiaries.

Qatar – The Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has launched wide-ranging Ramadan iftar and food security projects under its 2026 campaign, targeting more than 300,000 beneficiaries across 17 countries, including Gaza, Sudan, Syria, Somalia and Yemen. In Qatar, an additional 30,000 people, including expatriate workers and vulnerable families, will receive assistance through iftar meals, zakat initiatives and community outreach programs.

Canada (British Columbia) – Ramadan Fest B.C. will return to Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds for four nights, combining a night market atmosphere with spiritual programming. Organizers expect tens of thousands of visitors following last year’s debut, which drew more than 50,000 attendees.

United Kingdom – Muslim charities warn that banking restrictions are preventing millions of pounds in Ramadan donations from reaching crisis zones abroad. According to sector groups, “debanking” and compliance regulations have delayed or blocked humanitarian transfers, limiting support during a peak giving period.

Philippines – In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Maguindanao has emerged as a cultural Ramadan destination, with Cotabato City hosting large neon light displays and traditional Ramadan trade fairs. The nightly illuminations at the Bangsamoro Government Center have drawn visitors, blending spiritual observance with tourism and cultural celebration.

China (Xinjiang) – Authorities continue to restrict fasting among civil servants, teachers and students during Ramadan, with restaurants ordered to remain open in parts of the region. The measures reflect longstanding controls on religious practices.

Kuwait – New Ramadan regulations prohibit cash collections at mosques and require charities to use non-cash donation systems with stricter reporting standards, part of government efforts to enhance transparency in fundraising.

Saudi Arabia – Authorities have banned promotional activities during iftar meal distributions at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque to preserve the spiritual atmosphere and ensure orderly, hygienic arrangements.

Jerusalem (Palestinian Territories) – Around 10,000 Palestinians were permitted limited access for Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque under heightened security measures, significantly fewer than typical Ramadan attendance.

Health Tips

Maintaining a robust immune system is vital during Ramadan. Consider adding these to your diet:

Baobab Fruit: Rich in vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants, baobab supports immune function and digestive health. Its high potassium content also aids in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

Okra Soup: Packed with vitamins and minerals, okra supports immune health and provides essential nutrients.

Ofada Rice: This rice variant is high in fibre and is good for maintaining a healthy digestive system.

Zobo & Hibiscus Tea: known for its high vitamin C content, it aids in boosting immunity and has antimicrobial properties.

Leafy Greens: Incorporate vegetables like spinach and kale into meals; they’re rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which are essential for immune function.

Tiger nuts & Dates: Rich in fibre and prebiotics, these improve digestion and gut health.

Ginger, garlic and cloves: These spices have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Adding them to tea, soups and stews can enhance flavour and health benefits.

Today’s Challenge

Increase Your Istighfar : Dedicate time today to reflect on personal actions and seek Allah’s forgiveness. Recite “Astaghfirullah” consistently throughout the day, especially during moments of quiet and after prayers.

Qur’an Verses of the day:

“And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins, and who can forgive sins except Allah? and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know.” (Qur’an 3:135).

“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.’” (Qur’an 39:53).

Hadiths

“O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you.”(At-Tirmidhi 340, Hsan).

“When a believer sins, a black dot appears on his heart. If he repents and seeks forgiveness, his heart is polished clean. But if he continues to sin, the black dot spreads until it covers his entire heart. That is the ‘seal’ Allah mentioned in the Qur’an: ‘Nay! But on their hearts is the Ran (covering of sins) which they used to earn.’” (Sunan Ibn Majah 4244, Hasan Sahih).

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