Hijrah: Muslim Community wants 1st of Muharrah declared Public Holiday

Muslim Community in Lagos State have called on Lagos state government to declare 1st of Muharrah which represent the first day of the year in Islamic Calendar as Public Holiday. 

The call was made by the President, Muslim Community of Lagos, Prof. Tajdeen O. Gbadamosi, in an opening speech at the 1441AH Hijirah celebration on Sunday.

Speaking on the theme of the programme, “Lesson and Blessing of Hijrah”, he said the first day of the year according to lunar calendar does not serve the same purpose that Hijirah represent.

“The argument that first of January is for everyone regardless of religious affiliation does not hold water because that holiday does not represent what Hijirah means.
Hijirah means the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medinah in the early years of Islam, which signifies movement from bad to good and a time for a new beginning, this is why we cannot say the  first of January represents the same thing.


“If Christians can have Christmas holiday, if the state of Osun and other northern states can declare the day as Public Holiday, why can’t we do the same same in Lagos.”

Speaking at the event, as guest lecturer, Alhaji Khalifa Ahmad Abdul Quadri, Asalatu Suadai, Lagos, decried the representation of the muslim body in Sanwo-Olu’s cabinet which he described as inadequate. 

He said, “It is not a coincidence that the inauguration of the new cabinet in Lagos state falls within Hijirah period, this means there is something about this period the government need to acknowledge.

“It is quite unfortunate that we are not well represented in this new cabinent of Lagos state “If they are looking for competence I can boldly say we have it ,why should will be pushed aside, what could be the reason we are not adequately represented in the cabinent,” he asked  

Speaking further, he lamented that that was not the case during Fasola’s tenure, even during Asiwaju Tinubu’s time when muslims were accorded more privileges. 

“The cabinet has been innugurated and that  is gone already, but we want to appeal to the government that in subsequent decisions the muslim community should not be pushed aside”.

Another guest lecturer, from Lagos State University, Ojo, Prof. Ishaq Lakin Akintola, spoke on the lessons Hijirah which are perseverance, Loyalty, Love etc.

The Founder of Muslim’s Right Concern (MURIC), also talked about muslims being  persecuted because of their faith contrary to the constitution of Nigeria.

“Specifically on wearing of hijab, many schools are disallowing our children from using hijab, they call them masqurade, they are sent out of schools because of their mode of dressing which is their right.

Meanwhile, muslims are using hijab in the northern part of the country, why the persecution in the south here. 

“Muslims have Friday as their own day of worship, but they will not allow them to go for prayers in the office, they will ask them to complete their work when they need to go for prayer, this is persecution. 
“Why are muslim being persecuted in their own land, they are enduring it, but one day will be liberated”, he asked.

In a welcome address by the Chief Host, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, he enjoined the muslim community to be united.

“When we come together and they see our numerical strength, the poeple and the government will have no choice than to reckon with us.

“As members of muslim community, we have to come together as one so that what rightly belong to us will not elude us, in the area of education and other government benefits .
“When next we will be having the programme, we should turn out in larger number than this.”

The proprietres of Al-Furqqan International Schools Alhaja Tawakalitu Adigun, appealed to the parents to ensure their children attend muslim schools to be grounded in Islamic doctrine. 

“I want to appeal to the parents to endeavour to take their children to muslim schools, the issue of mislim children attending St John, St Mary, St Michael in the morning and going to Quranic school in the evening should stop”, she said.

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