The Kwara State Government has announced Tuesday as a public holiday in observance of the 1448 Islamic New Year, popularly referred to as Hijrah, which marks the commencement of the Islamic lunar calendar.
The declaration confirms that Tuesday will equally be observed as the first day of Muharram 1448, the opening month of the Islamic calendar followed by Muslims across the world.
In a statement released on Monday by the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, the government encouraged Muslim faithful in Kwara State and beyond to use the occasion to reflect on the deeper significance of the Hijrah and its importance to peaceful coexistence in society.
The statement read, “Hijrah (the migration of the Holy Prophet Muhammad) reminds the world of the evergreen value of tolerance, common humanity, and the right of every person to their legitimate aspirations — either in matters of faith or mundane matters as long as they do not hurt others.
“As we commemorate the new Hijrah Year, His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, prays that God bless every home, restore peace to our land, and give us the strength to do right by every person.”
Hijrah celebrations in Islam commemorate the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah, a historic event that symbolizes perseverance, faith, and renewal.
The occasion occupies a significant place in the Islamic calendar as Muslims use it to reflect on ethical conduct, spiritual development, and the lessons of sacrifice and unity associated with it.
