Hijrah: Muslim media professionals want holiday for Islamic N/Year

The Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) has reiterated its call on both the federal and state governments in Nigeria to declare Muharram 1, the first day of the Islamic Hijri calendar, as a public holiday. The National President of MMPN, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, who made the call yesterday in Abuja, said such a declaration […]

The Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) has reiterated its call on both the federal and state governments in Nigeria to declare Muharram 1, the first day of the Islamic Hijri calendar, as a public holiday.

The National President of MMPN, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, who made the call yesterday in Abuja, said such a declaration would be in line with the rule of law, fairness and justice to Muslims in the country.

Muharram 1 is the Islamic calendar equivalent of January 1. Muslims worldwide will usher in the new Islamic year Hijrah 1443 A.H. on Monday August 9, 2021.

“Muharram 1 is like our own January 1, we want both the federal and state governments alike to declare it a public holiday in the interest of religious harmony in the country,” Balogun said.

He implored government at various levels to recognise the Hijri calendar and use it side by side the Gregorian calendar in line with the country’s status as a secular state.

While congratulating Muslims and non-Muslims alike for witnessing another new Islamic year, he urged them to reflect on their deeds and activities during the past year. He urged Muslims to use the occasion of the New Year to migrate from evil ways to the good ways of life. The MMPN president also urged the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to dialogue with the federal government on the issue. He commended state governors who have declared public holiday for the Islamic New Year and urged others to emulate them accordingly.