As Muslims in Nigeria prepare to welcome the new Islamic year, Hijrah 1446 A.H., on Sunday, July 7, 2024, the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) has renewed its call for the Federal and state governments to declare Muharram 1, the first day of the Islamic calendar, a public holiday.
In a statement released on Thursday and signed by Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, National President of MMPN, the organization emphasized that such a declaration would align with principles of fairness and justice, similar to the public holiday granted for January 1 of the Gregorian calendar.
Balogun argued that recognizing Muharram 1 as a holiday would foster a sense of belonging among Muslims in Nigeria and promote religious harmony.
He urged the government to acknowledge the Hijrah calendar and use it alongside the Gregorian calendar.
Congratulating both Muslims and non-Muslims on the arrival of the new Islamic year, Balogun encouraged reflection on past deeds and a renewed commitment to positive change.
He called on Muslims to pray for Allah’s guidance for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The MMPN President also urged the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to engage in dialogue with the government on this and other issues affecting the Muslim community.
He praised state governors who have already declared the Islamic New Year a public holiday, particularly in the Northern regions and in Oyo and Osun states, and encouraged others to follow suit.
Balogun condemned recent attacks by insurgency groups as un-Islamic and called for an end to violence. He also advocated for stricter legislation against rape, kidnapping, and terrorism, noting the increasing prevalence of these crimes.
Additionally, MMPN called on the Sokoto state government to respect the position of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa'ad Abubakar, both as a traditional and spiritual leader for over 150 million Nigerian Muslims.
The statement concluded with a call for Muslims to rededicate themselves to building an egalitarian society and to work with fellow Nigerians to advance the nation.
