The Executive Chairman of Ibadan South East Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Oluwole Alawode maintained that endurance and patience should be the touchstone in every Muslim’s way of living as he congratulated them for this year’s hijrah.
Hon. Alawode, while felicitating all Nigerians and in particular the Muslim Ummah as we usher in the New Islamic year, stressed the significance of the Islamic New Year in the lives of Muslims.
He noted that the Islamic New Year is a time for reflection on the past and a moment to look forward to the future with renewed hope and commitment to the values of Islam and humanity.
The council boss said as Muslims enter a New Year, they must not only celebrate alone but strive, as part of what Allah commands them, to internalise the lessons of the essence of the Hijrah as exemplified by uncommon patience and endurance of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in the face of hardship.
Arole Omituntun appealed for a closer inter-faith unity and peaceful coexistence among residents of all faiths communities, and nations as Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and his companions demonstrated remarkable unity, resilience, and compassion during their migration from Mecca to Medina.
Hon. Alawode then wishes the Muslim faithful a blessed new Hijrah year and beseech Allaah to accord everyone its blessings and goodness.
The Islamic new year is based on the sighting of the moon, which started after the Hijrah (migration) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 A. D. after the people of Makkah stressed his patience beyond its limit. The Prophet’s endurance and steadfastness eventually paid off in Madinah where he established an Islamic State.