MMPN renews call for greater recognition for Hijrah calendar

AS Muslims in Nigeria and across the world ushered in the new Islamic year, Hijrah 1448 AH, on Tuesday, the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) renewed its call on the federal and state governments to declare Muharram 1, the first day of the Islamic calendar, a public holiday.

In a statement signed by the National President of MMPN, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the association said such a declaration would be in line with the principles of fairness, justice and the rule of law for millions of Muslims in Nigeria, just as January 1 of the Gregorian calendar is observed as a public holiday for all Nigerians.

According to Balogun, the gesture would give Muslims a greater sense of belonging in the polity.

“Muharram 1 is our own January 1. We want the federal and state governments to recognise and declare it as such in the interest of religious harmony and inclusiveness in the country,” he said.

He also appealed to governments at all levels to officially recognise the Hijrah calendar and use it alongside the Gregorian calendar in public affairs.

Balogun congratulated Muslims and non-Muslims alike on witnessing another Islamic new year and urged them to reflect on their deeds and activities over the past year.

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He called on Muslims to use the occasion to migrate from past wrongdoings, renew their commitment to righteous conduct in the new year, and pray to Allah to guide the administration of President Bola Tinubu in steering the affairs of the nation.

The MMPN President urged the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to engage the government in dialogue on the public holiday request and other issues affecting the Muslim Ummah in the country.

He also implored Muslims to rededicate themselves to the cause of building an egalitarian society and to work with other Nigerians towards national development and unity.

Balogun, however, commended state governors who declared public holidays to mark the Islamic New Year, particularly in parts of Northern Nigeria as well as Oyo and Osun states in the South West, and urged other governors to emulate the gesture.

He described the continued attacks and killings of innocent Nigerians by insurgent groups as un-Islamic and appealed to those involved to cease hostilities and embrace peace.

Balogun also called for stricter legislation and stronger enforcement against rape, kidnapping and all forms of terrorism, noting that such crimes were becoming increasingly rampant because perpetrators often escaped justice.