Muslims around the globe have been admonished to see the first day of the Islamic New year as a day to call themselves to accountability, engage in individual assessment, work towards increasing their fear of Allah, and also reflect over what they are preparing for their meeting with their Lord.
These were the words of the Grand Mufti of the Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi’i in an exclusive chat with Muslim News.
Sheikh Shafi’i warned that the day should not be celebrated, because there are only two Eid celebrations in Islam. Rather, it should be remembered for the purpose of creating awareness and reminding the Muslim Ummah of their historical development and events that shaped it.
Responding to the demand for the Hijrah holiday by Nigerian Muslims, the respected Muslim Scholar said: “On this, we can support those who call for the declaration of this day as a holiday since the Christians are given numerous other holidays, although some scholars kicked against such”.
According to him, “If the Muslims demand for this (Hijrah holiday) also, there is nothing wrong in it. Not that it is a compulsory part of the religion, but because of the circumstance we found ourselves, where everyone is demanding for their rights and even the less important ones enjoy the privilege, if this is given as well, there is no harm in it, but it shouldn’t be taken too seriously.”
The Grand Mufti further advised the Imams, while delivering sermons at their various Mosques, to remind their congregations on the significance of the Hijrah and abstention from various unIslamic acts ascribed to the day.
Some of the unIslamic acts, according to Sheikh Shafi’I, are “observing Special New Year Tahajud, special Nawafil and special Dua, dancing, and even the popular ‘KayoKayo’ celebration done on the 10th of Muharram, amongst others. There are no sound evidences for these.
- Rasheed Abubakar
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