– As Muslim News unveils special edition to honour Nigerian legends
International Muslim History Month has commenced on Monday, May 1 in the New York, United States of America (USA), serving as an opportunity to appreciate and learn about the contributions of Muslims throughout history.
IMHM, which begins on May 1 every year and is currently marking its third year, is a month-long celebration of the rich and diverse history of the Muslim community, organizers said.
“IMHM is an important opportunity for us to reflect on the many contributions made by Muslims around the world and appreciate their impact on our shared history,” the New York-based World Hijab Day Organization said in a statement.
We are excited to announce the official launch of our 3rd annual ‘International Muslim History Month’ (iMHM) campaign!
▶️ Theme: #GetToKnowMuslims
▶️ Official hashtags:
#GetToKnowMuslims#MuslimHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/wqKmzNbnDf— International Muslim History Month (@muslimhistorym) April 1, 2023
This year’s theme is #GetToKnowMuslims and “it emphasises the importance of learning more about the contributions of Muslims throughout history, and how it can help us celebrate the diversity and richness of our global community,” it added.
WHD, which also launched World Hijab Day in 2013, called on people to commemorate the month by sharing their solidarity poster or joining the conversations on social media in an effort to “dismantle Islamophobia and promote diversity by learning more about our fellow humans.”
A very exciting message from the award-winning @MaryamJazeem, 11, on International #MuslimHistoryMonth.#GetToKnowMuslims pic.twitter.com/tvZQdc4Z2P
— World HijabDay (@WorldHijabDay) May 2, 2023
The organization said the fact that the state of New York has recognized IMHM since 2021 highlights “the significance of this event, as it provides an opportunity to combat Islamophobia by increasing awareness and appreciation of the incredible accomplishments of Muslim men and women throughout history.”
The New York State Senate said at the time: “International Muslim History Month was established to educate Muslims of New York and around the world of authentic Islamic history, the events, the personalities, and the contributions which changed society, in the hope all Muslims can bridge their relationship with their non-Muslim neighbors through education and understanding.”
GREAT NEWS‼️Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has officially declared May 2023 as Muslim History Month for the State of New York in Senate Resolution No. 195, which was passed on January 18th, 2023. We are grateful to the state of New York for recognizing International Muslim… pic.twitter.com/HdPPmLsRi8
— World HijabDay (@WorldHijabDay) May 4, 2023
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Muslim community, which has actively participated in the WHD events since 2014, is yet to formally join the International Muslim History Month celebration.
However, Muslim News Nigeria, the official media for WHD Nigeria, has concluded plans to dedicate her May 2023 print edition to celebrate legendary Nigerian Muslims.
The newspaper released the pictures of seven Nigerian legends on Thursday as she declared support for the initiative; calling on the general public to nominate their favourite “legendary Nigerian Muslim of all time”.
The already selected names for the special edition include; Sheikh Ahmed Lemu, Queen Aminah of Zaria, Sheikh Adam Al-Ilory, Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, Prince Bola Ajibola, Sheikh Ibrahim Nwagui and Dr. Lateef Adegbite.
We join @NazmaHKhan, the founder of @WorldHijabDay to mark the 3rd annual int'l #MuslimHistoryMonth with the theme #GetToKnowMuslims. It's a time to recognise the amazing contributions of Muslim men and women throughout history. Tell us your legendary Nigerian Muslim of all time? pic.twitter.com/R2AC4l63oS
— Muslim News Nigeria (@muslimnews_NG) May 4, 2023
May Allah forgive their shortcomings, including Sheikh Uthman Dan Fodio, who was also mentioned with illustration due to unavailability of his picture, and grant them Al-jannah firdaous. Ameen.
The e-cover for the May edition is scheduled for release on Monday, May 8.
– Additional information from Arab News
