No fewer than 10 states have declared Wednesday, July 19 a work-free day for Muslims to mark Hijrah, the beginning of the new Islamic year.
Muslim News gathered that the states are Borno, Kano, Yobe, Jigawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kwara, Osun, Zamfara, and Oyo.
The governors, in separate releases congratulated Muslims around the world on the dawn of the new Islamic year, enjoining civil servants and the people in their respective states to pray for peace and tranquility as well as economic development of the dear states and the country at large.
Kano State governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf called on people to live their lives based on the teachings of Islam and practice the virtues of kindness, love and tolerance as exemplified by our Holy prophet Muhammad peace be upon him.
In his words, the Yobe state governor, Mal. Mai Mala Buni hoped that the public holiday will afford people the opportunity to pray for peace and a bumper harvest, as it reminded civil servants in the state that they are expected to resume work on Thursday, July 20, 2023, after the break.
The Borno State directives on the Hijrah holiday were issued late on Tuesday and did not reach many residents as workers and students showed up at work and in school on Wednesday.
Borno State has been sustaining the government’s yearly tradition, which Governor Zulum Babagana has continued to exercise since his assumption to office five years ago.
Gov. Zulum enjoined all citizens to reflect on this important date and rededicate themselves to peaceful co-existence and service to humanity and development of our dear state in particular.
In the same vein, the Jigawa state Governor Malam Umar Namadi noted that the period of the Islamic new year should remind all people of the countless favours bestowed on them by the Almighty God.
“People should use the period to reflect and live their lives based on the teachings of Islam and the practice of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)”, he said.
Kwara state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, while declaring a work-free day for the first time in the history of the state, said it’s in fulfillment of longstanding yearnings of the Muslim community in the state.
Speaking further, the governor said, “History says the first of Muharram heralded the migration of Prophet Muhammad, peace of God be upon him, from his birthplace Makkah in search of a peaceful and conducive atmosphere to practice Islam. This brings to mind the need for everyone to imbibe the lessons of patience, perseverance, tolerance, moderation and compassion.”
Only two Southwestern states, Osun and Oyo declare public holiday.
While congratulating and wishing the entire Muslim ummah a happy celebration of the new Islamic calendar, Governor Ademola Adeleke said he will preside over a special march past on Saturday at Osogbo township stadium by taking a symbolic salute as part of series of activities lined up to mark the new Islamic year.
In his submission, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State congratulated the Muslim faithful on the commencement of the new year. He also enjoined them to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, and sustainability in the state in particular and the country in general.
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