The dawn of the Islamic New Year, Muharram 1447AH, was met with heartfelt greetings and profound reflections by the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the prominent Islamic organization in Nigeria. In a message brimming with hope and spiritual guidance, the JNI’s Secretary-General, Professor Khalid Aliyu, extended warm felicitations to the entire Muslim community, emphasizing the sacred significance of Muharram. This month, revered as one of the four sacred months in Islam, calls for heightened piety and abstention from vices and conflicts. It serves as a potent reminder of the core Islamic values of peace, forgiveness, and servitude to Allah.
The JNI’s message resonated with a powerful appeal for global peace, echoing the sentiments of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar. The Sultan’s plea to world leaders, particularly concerning the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, underscores the urgent need for de-escalation and peaceful resolutions to conflicts. This call for global harmony transcends geographical boundaries and emphasizes the interconnectedness of nations in the pursuit of stability and a more peaceful world. The JNI encouraged Nigerian Muslims to embody these values by remaining steadfast in their devotion to Allah, upholding the law, and promoting peace within their communities. This internal reflection and commitment to peaceful coexistence are crucial for the overall betterment of society.
The JNI’s message further highlighted the spiritual significance of Muharram by encouraging Muslims to observe the voluntary fasts of Tasu’a and Ashura, falling on the 4th and 5th of July. These fasts, deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, are considered highly meritorious, second only to the fasts observed during the holy month of Ramadan. Professor Aliyu underscored the Prophet Muhammad’s (Peace Be Upon Him) emphasis on the importance of fasting during Muharram, further reinforcing the spiritual benefits and blessings associated with this practice. This emphasis on voluntary fasting underscores the importance of spiritual discipline and seeking closeness to Allah through acts of devotion.
Beyond personal piety, the JNI’s message extended to the broader societal and global landscape. The organization called upon Muslims to offer fervent prayers for Nigeria’s well-being, peace, and security. Recognizing the challenges facing the nation, the JNI emphasized the crucial role of prayer in seeking divine intervention and guidance for the country’s progress and stability. This call to prayer underscores the importance of collective supplication in addressing national concerns and seeking divine blessings for the nation’s future. The JNI’s plea for divine intervention extends beyond national borders, encompassing the plight of Muslim refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) worldwide. The organization implored Allah to provide merciful relief and assistance to those displaced and suffering, highlighting the Islamic values of compassion and empathy for those in need.
As the Muslim Ummah embarked on the new Hijri year, the JNI’s message served as a timely reminder of the core principles that underpin the Islamic faith. Professor Aliyu emphasized the importance of servitude to Allah, piety, commitment to positive change, and respect for constituted authorities. These fundamental principles, when embraced and practiced, contribute to the moral and spiritual growth of individuals and the betterment of society as a whole. The call for good governance, devoid of bias, underscores the importance of just and equitable leadership in fostering societal harmony and progress.
In its concluding remarks, the JNI extended blessings and prayers for prosperity to the entire Muslim Ummah worldwide. This message of hope and goodwill resonates with the spirit of the new year, signifying a fresh start and the opportunity for spiritual renewal. The JNI’s comprehensive message encapsulates the essence of Muharram – a time for reflection, recommitment to Islamic values, and prayer for peace and prosperity for all. By emphasizing both personal piety and societal responsibility, the JNI’s message serves as a guide for Muslims as they navigate the new year, striving to live a life of faith, compassion, and service to humanity. The organization’s call for unity, peace, and good governance underscores the importance of collective efforts in building a more just and harmonious world.
