The Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) issued a statement urging the Federal and state governments of Nigeria to declare Muharram ...
The Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) issued a statement urging the Federal and state governments of Nigeria to declare Muharram 1, the beginning of the Islamic calendar year (Hijrah 1446 A.H.), as a public holiday.
The statement signed by Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, MMPN's National President, and obtained by Daily Struggle Newspaper emphasizes the need for parity with holidays granted to Christians on January 1.
Balogun highlighted the significance of this gesture for fostering religious harmony and national unity. Additionally, he called for recognition of the Hijrah calendar alongside the Gregorian calendar, encouraged reflection among Muslims on their past actions, and advocated for legislative action against societal ills.
The statement also praised governors who have already recognized the Islamic New Year as a public holiday and urged others to follow suit. Balogun concluded by urging dialogue on issues affecting the Muslim community and appealed for respect towards religious leaders like the Sultan of Sokoto.
The full statement reads:
Hijrah 1446 A.H: MMPN Demands Holiday For Islamic New Year
As Muslims in Nigeria join their counterparts around the world in ushering in the new Islamic year, Hijrah 1446 A.H., on Sunday, July 7, 2024, the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) has reiterated its call for the Federal and state governments in Nigeria to declare Muharram 1, the first day of the Islamic calendar year, as a public holiday.
This is contained in a statement released on Thursday and signed by Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, National President, MMPN.
Balogun stated that such a declaration would be in line with the principles of the rule of law, fairness, and justice to millions of Muslims in Nigeria, as it is granted to their Christian brethren on every January 1 of the Gregorian calendar.
He stressed that this gesture would give Muslims a sense of belonging in the polity.
“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 implored the government at various levels to recognize the Hijrah calendar and use it alongside the Gregorian calendar.
Balogun congratulated Muslims and non-Muslims alike on witnessing another new Islamic year and urged them to reflect on their deeds and activities over the past year.
He encouraged Muslims to use the opportunity of the New Year to turn away from their past evil ways, renew their commitments to good in the New Islamic Year, and pray to Allah to guide the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in piloting the affairs of the nation.
The MMPN President also called on the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to engage in dialogue with the Nigerian Government on this issue and other issues affecting the Muslim Ummah in the country.
He implored Muslims to rededicate themselves to the cause of building an egalitarian society and join hands with other Nigerians in moving the nation forward.
Balogun, however, commended state governors who had declared a public holiday for the Islamic New Year, especially in the Northern part of the country, as well as Oyo and Osun states in the South West, urging others to emulate their colleagues.
He described the series of attacks on innocent Nigerians by some insurgent groups as un-Islamic and pleaded with the affected groups to cease fire and stop the violence as a demonstration of their readiness to embrace peace.
Balogun also called for stringent legislation against rape, kidnapping, and all other acts of terrorism in the country, saying these crimes are becoming too rampant because the culprits often escape justice.
MMPN used the opportunity to call on the Sokoto state government to desist from any actions capable of ridiculing the seat of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa'ad Abubakar, who is not only a traditional ruler but also a spiritual leader and Amirul-Mu'minin of over 150 million Nigerian Muslims.
E-signed
Abdur-Rahman Balogun
National President, MMPN
Thursday, July 4, 2024
(28 Dhul-Hijjah 1445 A.H.)
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