The Jama’atu Nasril Islam(JNI) has hailed the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar and the entire Nigerian Muslim community on the advent of the new Islamic year, Hijrah 1446 AH.
The Islamic calendar consists of 12 months similar to the Gregorian calendar. However, it consists of 354-355 days, unlike the 365-366 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 Hijjah. The Islamic calendar is based on sightings of the moon, which started after the Hijrah (migration) of Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madina.
The statement by JNI Secretary General, Prof. Khalid Aliyu in Kaduna, yesterday, called on the Muslims to remain God-fearing and committed to the worship of Allah, be law-abiding at all times, peaceful and industrious in spite of the daunting challenges bedeviling the country.
It also urged political leaders across board to always remember that there is the actual day of accountability over their stewardship.”
He said there was the need to be introspective, sincere, honest and committed to better the lives of the Nigerian citizens.
According to him, tangible and realistic policies should be matched with words and actions.
Aliyu said, ”Not the other way round, that has left millions of Nigerians in penury and despair. The Muslims should be good ambassadors of Islam.
“The media and other stakeholders in the Nigerian project should always remain introspective in their reportage of events in Nigeria.
”We should always eschew “them against us” reportage. Nevertheless, the Nigerian Muslim Ummah is urged to continuously seek for Allah’s forgiveness, guidance and protection.
Aliyu urged the Muslims not to lose hope in spite of the trying moments, saying, ”for Allah, the eternally merciful assures us of His relief in the Glorious Qur’an.”
He said the political leaders and all other stakeholders in the Nigerian project should be very much worried over the happenings in Nigeria, and should be pragmatic in addressing them.
“We are implored to as usual pray fervently for the restoration of peace, security, stability and development of our country, particularly that the new wave of insecurity in Nigeria is seemingly defying all strategies.”
Meanwhile, the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), has emphasised the significance of the Islamic New Year in the lives of Muslims.
Chairman of the forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, urged the faithful to offer special prayers for adequate rainfall, a bumper harvest, as well as for peace, unity, growth and prosperity of Gombe State, Nigeria and the world at large.
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 socio-economic development.
The NSGF chairman expressed optimism that the new Islamic year will usher in more opportunities for the state and the nation, calling on the people to strengthen their faith and remain steadfast in prayers for continued blessings from Almighty Allah.
Kano gov greets Muslim Ummah
In a separate statement, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, felicitated with the Muslim Ummah in a statement by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa in Kano.
Governor Yusuff admonished Muslims in the state to “use this day (Sunday, first day in the Islamic calendar) and the public holiday on Monday to reflect on the past year and engage in beneficial activities.”
He also tasked people to beseech the Almighty Allah with fervent prayers for continuous peace, stability, prosperity and economic development in the state and the nation as a whole.
He reiterated the unwavering determination of the state government to continue to implement and initiate policies and programmes that will have direct bearing to the lives of people of the state and empower citizens to be self-reliant.
Council of Imams
The Council of Imams and Ulama, Kaduna State has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Sultan.
The council’s Secretary, Dr Yusuf Arrigasiyyu, stated this at a press briefing on Sunday in Kaduna.
“We stand in solidarity with His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and criticise any attempt to degrade or undermine the esteemed office.
“The Sultanate represents the collective identity and heritage of Nigerian Muslims, transcending state boundaries.
“We view any assault on the Sultanate as an attack on our collective dignity and faith.
” We urge all parties involved to sheath their swords and embrace peace, recognising the Sultanate’s pivotal role in promoting unity, understanding, and harmony among Muslims and Nigerians at large.
“We call on the authorities to respect the Sultanate’s sanctity and historical significance, ensuring its continued role as a beacon of guidance and wisdom, “he said.
Arrigasiyyu said the council extended its warmest wishes to the Muslim Ummah, celebrating a happy and prosperous new Islamic year.