The Sokoto State Government has officially declared Thursday, June 26, 2025, coinciding with the 1st of Muharram, 1447 AH, as a public holiday to commemorate the Islamic New Year. This declaration, conveyed in a statement issued by the Governor’s Press Secretary, Abubakar Bawa, aims to facilitate the statewide observance of the new Hijrah calendar year by the Muslim community. The holiday provides an opportunity for Muslims to engage in spiritual reflection, prayers, and community gatherings, marking the beginning of a new year in the Islamic lunar calendar.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu, in his message to the people of Sokoto State, emphasized the significance of the Islamic New Year as a time for introspection, self-assessment, and recommitment to personal growth and faith. He urged the Muslim faithful to utilize this occasion to reflect on their past actions, identify areas for improvement, and seek forgiveness for any shortcomings. The Governor stressed the importance of aligning oneself with the values of piety, humility, and accountability, core tenets of the Islamic faith, and encouraged a renewed embrace of the spiritual and moral teachings associated with the Hijrah, the Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina.
The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year or Arabic New Year, carries profound historical and spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. It marks the beginning of the lunar Hijri calendar, which commemorates the migration of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD. This event, known as the Hijrah, was pivotal in the establishment of the Muslim community and is considered a turning point in Islamic history. The Hijri calendar, based on the lunar cycle, comprises 12 lunar months and is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar calendar. Consequently, the Islamic New Year shifts forward by about 11 days each year in the Gregorian calendar.
The observance of the Islamic New Year varies across different Muslim communities, but it generally involves prayers, sermons, and reflections on the past year. Many Muslims use this occasion to set intentions for the new year, focusing on spiritual growth, strengthening family ties, and contributing to their communities. Acts of charity and kindness are also common practices during this time. The holiday serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking knowledge, practicing forgiveness, and striving for a closer relationship with God. Furthermore, the Islamic New Year provides an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices and struggles faced by early Muslims and to draw inspiration from their resilience and unwavering faith.
The Sokoto State Government’s declaration of a public holiday demonstrates its commitment to supporting religious observance and promoting Islamic values within the state. This gesture acknowledges the importance of the Islamic faith in the lives of the majority of its citizens and provides them with the opportunity to fully participate in the New Year celebrations. The holiday is expected to be widely observed across the state, with various Islamic clerics and organizations planning special prayer gatherings, sermons, and lectures to mark the occasion. These events will provide platforms for spiritual reflection, learning, and community building.
The declaration of the public holiday is welcomed by the Muslim community in Sokoto State, who view it as an affirmation of their religious identity and a recognition of the significance of the Islamic New Year. The holiday allows them to come together in prayer and celebration, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. The Governor’s message, emphasizing the importance of spiritual reflection and personal growth, resonates deeply with the Muslim faithful and encourages them to embrace the values of their faith in the new year. The holiday serves as a reminder of the continuous journey of spiritual development and the importance of seeking knowledge, practicing compassion, and contributing to the betterment of society.
