By Abubakar Yunusa
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs(NSCIA )has urged Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and renewed commitment to national development as Muslims across the country joined their counterparts worldwide to mark the Islamic New Year, 1448 AH.
The council, led by its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the commencement of the new Hijrah calendar and called for deep reflection on the lessons of the Prophet Muhammad’s migration.
In a statement signed by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the NSCIA said the declaration of Muharram followed the verification of moon sightings by the National Moon Sighting Committees across the country.
The council said the Hijrah symbolises faith, sacrifice, perseverance, resilience and unwavering trust in Allah, urging Muslims to use the occasion for spiritual renewal and recommitment to righteousness, justice and service to humanity.
It, however, expressed concern over the nation’s worsening security situation, describing the persistent attacks by bandits, insurgents and kidnappers as deeply troubling.
According to the council, recent abductions involving pupils and teachers underscore the urgent need for sincere and decisive action to protect lives and property.
The NSCIA also lamented the economic hardship confronting Nigerians, noting that rising food prices, high living costs and unemployment had continued to stretch the resilience of many households.
While acknowledging ongoing government reforms, the council urged authorities to accompany such measures with compassionate palliatives and inclusive economic policies targeted at the poorest and most vulnerable citizens.
It called on Nigerians, irrespective of religion or ethnicity, to reject divisive narratives, insisting that the country’s challenges transcend differences of faith and require collective solutions.
“The threats facing Nigeria are blind to religion and other differences. Our solutions to the challenges must be united,” the statement said.
The council further urged governments at all levels, security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to intensify efforts towards restoring peace and security, stressing that development could not thrive in an atmosphere of fear.
It maintained that justice, accountability and good governance remained critical in the fight against insurgency and corruption, while political leaders were advised to place national interest above partisan considerations.
The NSCIA also charged religious leaders and citizens to promote dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect in their engagements to strengthen national cohesion.
As Muslims celebrate the beginning of the Hijrah New Year, the council encouraged increased devotion through prayers, charity and acts of kindness.
It prayed for lasting peace, prosperity and sustainable development in Nigeria, while wishing Muslims a peaceful and spiritually fulfilling Hijrah 1448 AH.
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