MUSLIM leaders and organisations have continued to congratulate the faithful on the beginning of the new Islamic year, Hijrah 1445.
Niger State governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, in a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, felicitated the Muslim Ummah the on the new Islamic year.
Governor Bago advised the Nigerian Ummah to sustain their prayers for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
He said the New Year “signifies a time of reflection, renewal and spiritual rejuvenation and serves as a reminder of the values of unity, faith and perseverance that have continued to guide and inspire Muslims worldwide.”
He urged the faithful to continue to pray for peace and economic development of the state in particular and the country as a whole.
According to him, the country is confronted with many challenges which need divine intervention in addressing them, in addition to human efforts.
The governor emphasised the need for Muslims to always live their lives in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and Hadith.
While assuring the people of his administration’s commitment to building a new Niger State, Bago called on them to use this period to pray for the leadership of the country at all levels to succeed in their quest to find lasting solutions to the societal challenges.
Also, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, called on the Muslim faithful to remain prayerful for the sustenance of peace, unity and progress of the country.
The Etsu Nupe, in a goodwill message, noted that the beginning of every Islamic calendar year reminds the world of the migration of Prophet Muhammad from his birthplace, Mecca, to Medina, for the sake of Islam.
“This brings to mind the need for everyone to imbibe the lessons of patience, perseverance, tolerance, moderation and compassion,” Alhaji Abubakar said.
The traditional ruler congratulated faithful on the occasion of another lunar calendar, Hijrah 1445 and expressed the hope that mankind will be guided by the significance and lessons of the event.
He called for tolerance, mutual respect and compassion among Nigerians, irrespective of their beliefs.
Alhaji Abubakar stressed that Nigerians’ collective faith in God and sustained prayers for the peace, unity and progress of the country were an essential condition for the full realisation of the nation’s founding fathers’ dreams and aspirations.
He described peace and unity as veritable tools for national development and said “Nigerians must strive to maintain them for the nation to move forward.”
In the same vein, the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) congratulated Muslims and non-Muslims alike for witnessing another new Islamic year and urged them to reflect on their deeds and activities during the past year.
The National President of the association, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, in a message, asked Muslims to use the opportunity of the New Year to migrate from evil and renew their commitment to godliness and pray to Allah to guide the administration of President Bola Tinubu in piloting the affairs of the nation.
The MMPN repeated its call on federal and state governments to declare Muharram 1, the first day of the Islamic Hijrah calendar, as public holiday.
Balogun said such a declaration would be in line with the rule of law, fairness and justice to millions of Muslims in Nigeria.
He urged the Federal Government to recognise Muharram 1 as it does January 1 in order to give Muslims a sense of belonging in the polity.
He implored government at various levels to recognise the Hijrah calendar and use it side by side with the Gregorian calendar.
The MMPN president also called on the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to enter into dialogue with the Federal Government on the issue and other issues affecting the Muslim Ummah in the country.
He implored Muslims to rededicate themselves to the cause of building an egalitarian society and join hands with other Nigerians in moving the nation forward.
Balogun commended state governors who declared public holiday for Islamic New Year in the northern part of the country and in Oyo and Osun states in the South West, urging others to emulate their colleagues.
The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Oyo State chapter, also felicitated the Muslim ummah across the globe on Hijrah 1445.
The felicitation was contained in a congratulatory message issued in Ibadan by the Amirah, Dr Bushrah Oloso.
The Oyo FOMWAN said the new Islamic year was significant and auspicious as it commemorates the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.
“Oyo FOMWAN is using this opportunity to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters a happy new Islamic year 1445. We are starting another 12 lunar months, to Allah be the glory.
“We thank Allah for sparing our lives to witness another new year. This is a grace and blessing from Allah,” Alhaja Oloso said.
She urged Muslims not to forget the teachings and significance of Hijrah which, according to her, symbolises steadfastness and the triumph of Islam and Muslims over their persecutors.
“One very important take-away from the story of Hijrah is for everyone to remain committed and steadfast in the face of trials or tribulations. The early Muslims did not lose hope and their faith in Allah despite the oppression, suppression and humiliation from the non-Muslims and pagans in Mecca.” Alhaja Oloso added.
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