As Muslims across the world mark the beginning of the new Islamic year, Hijrah 1447 A.H, the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) has renewed its call on the Federal and State Governments to declare Muharram 1, the first day of the Islamic calendar, as a public holiday.
This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the National President of MMPN, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun.
Balogun described the demand as a matter of fairness and justice, noted that just as January 1 is observed as a public holiday to mark the beginning of the Gregorian calendar, Muslims should be accorded similar recognition with Muharram 1.
“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,” he stated.
He also urged government at all levels to recognise and use the Hijrah calendar side by side with the Gregorian calendar in official engagements, adding that such a move would foster inclusiveness and national unity.
While congratulating Nigerians, both Muslims and non-Muslims, for witnessing the new Islamic year, the MMPN president called for introspection and moral rebirth.
He urged Muslims to use the new year as a period to renew their commitment to righteousness and pray for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Balogun also called on the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to dialogue with the Federal Government on the recognition of the Hijrah calendar and other issues affecting the Muslim Ummah.
He commended governors, particularly in the North as well as those of Oyo and Osun States in the South-West, who have declared public holidays for the Islamic New Year, urging others to emulate the gesture.
In a separate appeal, Balogun condemned ongoing acts of violence and insurgency, described them as un-Islamic. He called on all groups involved in violence to embrace peace and cease hostilities.
The MMPN president further demanded stringent legislation against rape, kidnapping, and terrorism, lamenting the increasing frequency of such crimes and the apparent impunity enjoyed by perpetrators.
He concluded by wishing Nigerians a peaceful and modest Islamic New Year celebration, in line with Islamic values and the prevailing economic situation in the country.
