July 08, (THEWILL) – The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, has congratulated Nigerian Muslims on the beginning of the New Islamic Calendar 1446 after Hijra.
The congratulatory message was contained in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday, by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Malam Adamu Abdullahi.
The statement said the period marks the commencement of the new month of Muharram, the first in the Islamic calendar.
According to the Minister, the period is of “deep pondering and replenished obligation to the degree of our belief and commitment to fostering unity and stability in our nation”.
He appealed to Muslims to reflect on the positive sides of the preceding year and use the occasion to fervently pray for peace and prosperity to reign in the country “and accord ironclad support to the administration of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s efforts to better the lives of the citizens”.
Gwarzo also stressed the need for Nigerians to unite, irrespective of their religious or ethnic differences, saying that harmonious relationships are the basis of moving the country forward.
“Our progress depends on how we implement the teaching of Islam, which teaches mankind how to live with one another in peace.
“Now, the new Islamic calendar has commenced, it is the duty of all Nigerian Muslims to operate according to the dictates of Islamic principles for the betterment of our country,” he said.
The Minister also praised Nigerian Muslims for their unswerving loyalty and contribution to the development of democratic institutions in the country.
He said the New Islamic Year would be prosperous as Nigerians would count blessings and opportunities during the period.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
