As the Muslim community marks the commencement of the Islamic New Year 1446 AH, governors have called on the faithful to pray for unity and peace in the country.
Borno and Bauch states, on Sunday, declared today a work-free day, to celebrate the Islamic New Year, joining Oyo, Osun, Kebbi, Jigawa, Kano, and Kwara, among others.
The Islamic calendar consists of 12 months similar to the Gregorian calendar, but has 354 to 355 days, unlike the 365 to 366 days in the regular calendar.
The Islamic New Year starts with Muharram, which is the first month, followed by Safar, Rabi al-awwal, Rabi al-Thani, Jumada al-awwal, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Shaban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul Qadah and Dhul Hijrah.
The Islamic calendar is based on the sighting of the moon, which started after the Hijrah (migration) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madina.
Felicitating Muslims on the New Year, the Northern States Governors’ Forum urged the faithful to offer special prayers for adequate rain, a bumper harvest and peace and unity in Nigeria and the world.
The Chairman of the forum and Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, in a statement signed by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe, Alhaji Isma’ila Misili, on Sunday, stressed the significance of the Islamic New Year in the lives of Muslims.
He noted that “the Islamic New Year is a time for reflection on the past and a moment to look forward to the future with renewed hope and commitment to the values of Islam and humanity.”
He stressed the need for tolerance and collaborative efforts among the diverse people of Gombe and assured the government’s support and people-oriented projects and programmes that would promote socioeconomic development.
The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Sunday, congratulated the Muslim faithful in the state and appealed for a closer inter-faith unity and peaceful coexistence among residents of all faiths.
Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Teslim Igbalaye, who represented him at an event organised in celebration of the new Hijrah calendar, the governor noted that Osun State, known for its rich cultural heritage and spirit of communal coexistence, embodied the essence of Hijrah and urged continued peaceful relationships among people of all faiths.
According to him, Hijrah symbolised the movement of the Prophet and his followers from a hostile environment to a more peaceful and accommodating society, adding that Osun remained a symbol of religious harmony and unity.
A statement signed by the Spokesperson to the Governor, Olawale Rasheed, further quoted Adeleke as saying, “In the spirit Hijrah, we are reminded of the importance of unity and cooperation among individuals, communities, and nations. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and his companions demonstrated remarkable unity, resilience, and compassion during their migration.
“They exemplified the values of love, tolerance, and respect for others, regardless of their religious differences. These noble teachings continue to guide us today and remind us of the need to build bridges of understanding and foster harmony among diverse communities and religions.”
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, congratulated the Muslim faithful in Nigeria, especially in the state and urged them to internalise the lessons of the season and the values exhibited by Prophet Muhammad.
“As we commence Hijrah 1446, I urge Muslims and all citizens of the state to imbibe the lessons of hard work, determination, perseverance, love, harmony, positivity and spreading goodness, which the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah symbolises.
“These are values and virtues which, if imbibed by every one of us, irrespective of our station in life, would transform us and our society…
“I also implore everyone to use this Hijrah celebration to pray for the peace, unity and progress of our dear country, Nigeria,” he said
The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, urged the Muslim faithful to allow the lessons of Hijrah to reflect in their conduct.
The governor spoke on Sunday during the 2024 Hijrah celebration (1446AH) organised by the Hijrah Islamic Organisation in Ilorin, the state capital.
Represented by the Senior Adviser/Counsellor, Alh Saadu Salahu, the governor enjoined Muslims to take advantage of the occasion and called for support for President Bola Tinubu to deliver on his agenda.