Hijrah 1446 A.H: MMPN demands recognition of Islamic New Year with public holiday
As Nigerian Muslims prepare to celebrate the beginning of the new Islamic year, Hijrah 1446 A.H on July 7, 2024, the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) has renewed its appeal to 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, MMPN National President Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun emphasized that this declaration would be a step towards equality and justice for the millions of Muslims in Nigeria, similar to the public holiday granted to Christians on January 1 of the Gregorian calendar.
He noted that this recognition would foster a sense of inclusivity and belonging among Muslims in the country.”
“Muharram 1, is our own January 1, we want both the Federal and state governments alike to declare it as such in the interest of religious harmony in the country”, Balogun said.
He also appealed to the government at various levels to recognise the Hijrah calendar and use it side by side with the Gregorian calendar.
The national president of MMPN extended congratulations to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike for witnessing another Islamic calendar alive.
He encouraged citizens to reflect on their past actions and seek a fresh start, urging Muslims to renounce their past misdeeds and recommit to virtuous living in the new year
Balogun further appealed to Muslims to pray for divine guidance for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in leading the nation as he also called on the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to engage in dialogue with the government to address issues affecting the Muslim community in Nigeria, including the declaration of Muharram 1 as a public holiday.
Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun expressed appreciation for state governors who declared public holidays for the Islamic New Year, particularly in the Northern states and Oyo and Osun states in the South West. He encouraged other governors to follow their lead.
On the raging insecurity in the nation, Balogun condemned the recent attacks on innocent Nigerians by insurgent groups, labelling them as unIslamic. He appealed to these groups to end their violent acts and embrace peace, demonstrating their commitment to a peaceful resolution
