4 months ago
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State governors have used the occasion of this year’s commemoration of Al-Muharram, the first day of the Islamic calendar, to call on their countrymen to live in peace with one another.
The Bauchi State governor, Bala A. Mohammed, who declared today a public holiday to commemorate the day, acknowledged the importance of Al-Muharram as a time of renewal and spiritual growth for Muslim brothers and sisters.
A statement from the government house said this holiday is in recognition of the significance of the Islamic calendar and the beginning of a new year.
Signed by Mukhtar M. Gidado, special adviser media and publicity to the Bauchi State governor, and made available to journalists on Sunday, said the gesture underscores the administration’s respect for the religious and cultural values of our Muslim community, offering an opportunity for reflection, prayer, and celebration.
“Governor Bala Mohammed extends his best wishes to all citizens observing this important day, encouraging everyone to engage in activities that promote peace, unity, and understanding within our diverse society.
“Government offices, schools and banks are at this moment notified to observe this work-free day. Normal activities will resume the following day,” the statement said.
Governor Bala Mohammed prayed that the Islamic New Year would usher in more prosperity, good health, harmony, and peaceful coexistence.
His Kwara State counterpart, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, yesterday urged Nigerians, especially Muslim faithful, to allow the lessons of Prophet Muhammad’s Hijrah (migration) from Makkah to Medina to reflect on their conduct.
AbdulRazaq admonished Muslims to allow the lessons of Hijrah to reflect on their daily lives and in their relationship with Nigerians, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad during his lifetime.
The governor spoke during the 2024 Hijrah celebration (1446AH) organised by the Hijrah Islamic Organisation in Ilorin, the state capital.
Represented by the senior adviser/counselor, Saadu Salahu, the governor urged Muslims to take advantage of the occasion “to visit the sick, family members in distress, and reach out to one another in kindness as brothers.”
He said his administration will continue to listen to the public and adjust policy responses to cater to public needs.
The governor noted that “though the government decisions may appear tough but are certainly in the best interest of the society.”
He urged Nigerians to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu to deliver on his renewed hope agenda.
“In keeping with the state policy that we started last year, tomorrow (Monday) is a work free day in Kwara state. It is in commemoration of this important day. The public holiday, as I had mentioned last year, is a recognition of your right to seek fair accommodation in the pursuit of spiritual growth and happiness.
“I urge you to continue supporting our administration and Mr. President. In our corners, let us avoid inflicting pain on one another”, AbdulRazaq said.
In his sermon, the national missioner of the Ansraul Islam Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdulMumin Ayara, condemned traders’ arbitrary manipulation of food prices and other commodities under the guise of inflation and exchange rates.
He said those hiking prices of foodstuff and other goods arbitrarily should have the fear of Allah as they would be made to account for their deeds in the hereafter.
Ayara’s views were corroborated by the representative of by Mudirul Markaz, Sheik Habeebulahi El- Ilorin
Earlier, the chairman of Hijrah Islamic Organisation, Prof Badmas Yusuf, had urged the government to encourage foreign investment in the country even as he urged them to evolve policies that will focus on the diversification of the economy.
Also, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has Muslims to use the new Islamic year to pray for enduring peace and unity of the country.
In a message by his chief press secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, he congratulated Muslims on the Islamic New Year 1446 AH and urged them to be more devoted to the worship of Allah.
He encouraged them to sustain their prayers for enduring peace in the state and the country at large and acknowledged the significance of the Islamic New Year to Muslims.
The governor stressed the need for all adherents of Islam to continue to imbibe the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Hadith as well as be ambassadors of peace and unity.
He reassured all residents of his administration’s unwavering determination to provide purposeful leadership in the State and appealed for their continued support and understanding.
The Islamic New Year is significant to all Muslims as it determines the dates of religious duties and important events in Islam.
Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has congratulated Nigerian Muslims and their counterparts worldwide as they usher in the New Islamic Year 1446, After Hijrah (AH).
Sunday, July 7, 2024, marks the 1st Muharram, which is the first month in the Islamic Calendar.
The Speaker, in a congratulatory message to mark the New Islamic Year, issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, on Sunday in Abuja, urged the Muslim Ummah to rededicate themselves to the worship of Allah (SWT).
Abbas noted that the New Islamic Year 1446 (AH) should serve as an avenue for more prayers to the nation and its leaders, noting that our Creator answers genuine prayers from His creatures, especially human beings.
He called for a more peaceful coexistence among Muslims and the people of other faiths in the country, noting that nothing can be achieved in an atmosphere devoid of peace and unity.
The Speaker wished Muslims happy celebrations of the New Islamic Year, even as he urged them to be cautious. He wished them and other Nigerians Allah’s blessings and protection in the new year.
For his part, the director-general of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman extended warm congratulations to Muslim Ummah on the commencement of the Islamic New Year, Hijrah Year (Muharram) 1446.
In a statement released yesterday, he emphasized the significance of the Islamic New Year in the lives of Muslims and urged them to utilise the occasion, particularly during the sacred month of Al-Muharram and beyond, to offer special prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and for the peace, unity, growth, and prosperity of Nigeria.
“As we enter this sacred period, let us reflect on the teachings of resilience, patience, and unity exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). These values are crucial for our spiritual well-being and for fostering a harmonious and progressive society.
“In these challenging times globally, we must unite as a community, supporting each other and promoting peace and mutual understanding.”
He urged the faithful to take the new year event as an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to justice, equity, and the advancement of the nation.
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