Omu-Aran – Muslims in the country have been urged to reflect on the significance of the Hijra celebration (Muslim calendar) to offer prayers for the nation’s development and economic recovery.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigerian Muslims on Sunday joined their counterparts globally to celebrate Hijra 1438, the beginning of the new Islamic lunar calendar.
Hijra, which means migration, symbilised the movement of 70 Muslims, together with the Holy Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah in the morning of Sept. 24, 622 CE.
They left the city of Makkah to escape incessant persecution by non-believers.
Alhaji Sodiq Afolayan, the Chief Imam of Omu-Aran Central Mosque, in an interview with NAN, described Hijra as a sacred period for prayers and devotion.
He said “it is in the light of the holiness of the Hijra period that we should not hesitate in offering prayers for guidance for our leaders.
“We as patriotic citizens should specifically offer prayers for speedy recovery of the nation’s economy said to presently in a state of recession.
“Surely, this is one sacred period where prayers of the righteous are promptly accepted and granted.’’
Alhaji Mustapha Abdulsalam, the Missioner of Nasrullahi-lifathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), Omu-Aran chapter, urged leaders in the country to imbibe the exemplary leadership style of the holy Prophet Muhammad.
He said “prophet Muhammad was an epitome of humility, honesty and integrity.
“He had every opportunity to ask for Allah’s torments on the people of Makkah while being persecuted but he did not.
“Instead, in his characteristic manner, he chose to migrate to Madinah with his supporters as mark of respect for sanctity of lives, referred to as Hijra.
“This is just one of the sterling qualities that endeared prophet Muhammad to his followers during and after his sojourn on earth.’’
Abdulsalam also urged Muslims to reflect on the celebration and rededicate themselves to the service of Allah and humanity.
He added that “we have to reflect on our past mistakes and misdeeds and seek for forgiveness for us to become righteous.
“This is the only way we can be able to intercede on behalf of the leaders, through prayers, on our challenges.’’
Alhaji Issa Zallah, the Chief Imam of Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria, Omu-Aran chapter, urged wealthy Muslims to extend their hands of assistance to the needy and the less privileged.
He said recent development in the country occasioned by the unimpressive economic situation required citizens to be their brothers keepers.
According to him, the present situation is not about being a Muslim, a Christian, Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa, but a Nigeria citizen.
“This is the only way we can collectively tackle and alleviate the impact of the economic recession on the people,” he said.
Zallah also appealed to the Federal Government through the National Assembly to, as a matter national interest, legalise the observation of Hijra day as a public holiday