Publish date27 Oct 2014 - 11:42
Story Code : 172262

Nigerians Dream of Justice in New Hijri Year

Nigerian Muslims have welcomed the New Hijri year with rallies, prayers and expectations that authorities will ensure justice and fairness for every segment of the society.
Nigerians Dream of Justice in New Hijri Year


“Muslims are implored to be patient in the face of deliberate provocations from people who think that Islam should have no right in Nigeria,” Femi Abass, media consultant to the Muslims Ummah in the Southwest of Nigeria (MUSWEN) and Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), told OnIslam.net.

“As Muslims, we should not grudge anybody on the various holidays like Saturday and Sunday every week since our religion does not demand same from us.

“But we should demand for our own right as we are now doing in respect of Hijrah whenever and wherever such a right is denied.”

Hijrah rallies were held in Ilorin in north central Kwara state on Friday, October 24, although many scholars and authorities, including the Jama'atu Nasrul Islam (JNI), said the holiday is billed for Saturday.

Nigeria’s southwest Osun State has also declared a Hijrah holiday on Monday, the only state that has made such pronouncement. Nigeria does not have a national holiday for Hijrah, but Muslims have continued to press for it.

The MUSWEN spokesman called on Muslims to ensure justice and fairness for all in the new year because the Hijrah is founded on these noble notions.

“Hijrah is not just about historical dates for marking Islamic events. It is also about truth, justice and the unity of the Muslim Ummah,” he said.

“On the occasion of the 1st of Muharram every year, Muslims are expected to congregate in public places to deliberate on the affairs of Islam and the Muslims as well as to take positive positions especially about peace and tranquility.

“Thus, as the occasion comes up this Saturday, all hands must be on deck for all Muslims to felicitate in peace,” he added.

MUSWEN have called on the government to consider declaring the date as a national holiday.

“Other Nigerian State Governors are implored to emulate Governor Aregbesola in doing justice on the issue of Hijrah by declaring public holiday to mark the occasion,'” Abbas said.

Better Life

Dr Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, spokesman of the JNI, said Muslims have a duty to ensure justice and fairness, and to pray for “sympathetic leaders” who would hasten mass access to basic amenities.

“We should pray (this new Hijrah year) for good leadership that is sympathetic to the plight of the commoners,” according to the JNI chief.

“I expect that Muslims will pray more for restoration of peace and security in the country and that will the leadership will imbibe the rudiments of good governance and we should act more than we talk. We should see good governance in the table and on the ground rather than mere talk.

“We need to see good governance and good leadership in practice. I wish Muslims Allah's guidance and protection and I wish our country quick restoration of peace and security.”

He also urged Muslims to see the New Year as the time to get closer to God while thanking Allah for extending their lives to see the new Islamic calendar.

“It is important that Muslims continue to commit themselves in repentance to Allah over the shortcomings of last year and for them to reflect very seriously and deeply over the last one year. We should give thanks to Allah over our wishes that corresponded with the will of Allah,” Dr Aliyu said.

“We should think over the lapses and reflect deeply over what caused those lapses for us to be able to address those lapses in terms of aqeedah, in terms of congregational prayers, in terms of fulfilling agreements and covenants and engagements, in terms of doing good and strengthening family ties and all issues that are connected to him.

“While he is ushered into the New Year, he should address all those issues that hurt his standing as a Muslim. Whatever thing he partakes in, he should try to be truthful and sincere, to be dutiful and do things rightfully and he should shun corruption which is the bane of our country. We should shun all disruptive tendencies which are inimical to ourselves and our society.”

Imam Sa’adallah Umar, a university teacher, said the time of Hijrah is “a time for deep reflection over our journey as Muslims. We have a history and a legacy that must be protected and so as successor generations to those who sweated for what we enjoy today, we must never let them down in terms of our conducts and commitment to social justice.”

He added: “Hijrah is about socioeconomic, political and religious justice. As Muslims we must ensure that justice thrives in o9ur society. We must be just to one another and to those who are not even Muslims. So, Hijrah goes beyond celebration. It is really about reflection about our past and future as one people with common destiny.”

Boko Haram Vs National Peace

Nigerian Muslims are marking Hijrah New Year as doubts continued to trail government’s ceasefire deal with the militant Boko Haram group.

The doubt has been fuelled by continuing attacks in the northeast, the region most hit by the insurgency.

Asked what the Muslim community feels about the ceasefire agreement said to have been sealed with the militants, the JNI spokesman said: “We really need to ask some questions. One, what type of ceasefire agreement was reached? With who? With the genuine Boko Haram or political Boko Haram? Or the armed robber Boko Haram. And who are they and what is their antecedence? What are the conditions of the ceasefire and what is the duration?” he told OnIslam.net.

“And what are the commitments by both sides? These questions become necessary because we need to see these things in practice rather than mere talking. What we have seen has left much to be desired.

“After the so called ceasefire there were very dangerous attacks including complete seizure of a whole local government and so on. This doesn't show that the ceasefire is a serious business. We need to probe these things very well.”

Abass, the MUSWEN spokesman, said Muslims are entering the year with expectations of peace and national unity.

“We should also pray for peace and harmony in the country and report any suspected move that can tamper with the course of peace. Patience and steadfastness are the key words here because Allah is always with the patient,” he said.

Dr Abdurrahman Ahmad, the chief Imam of Nigeria’s Ansar-Ud-Deen Islamic Society, said the Muslims would always pray for peace not only in the northeast where Boko Haram is active but also across the country.

“We pray that everybody gives peace a chance. We plead with the Boko Haram, whether political or otherwise, to stop the killings of fellow human being. This year, we should pray for immediate halt to bloodletting,” he added.
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