…as Kwara declares Monday public holiday
The kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has advised Muslim faithfuls in the state to take advantage of Hijrah public holiday to reflect on the lessons of the event by visiting the sick, family members in distress, and reaching out to one another in kindness as brothers.
Governor Abdulrazaq gave the advice in his address at the event commemorating the beginning of Hijrah Calendar held on Sunday (July 7, 2024) at the Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin, the state capital.
The Governor who explained that Hijrah remains a watershed in the history of the world and especially of the Muslims, urged Muslim brothers and sisters to allow the lessons of the Hijrah guide them, especially their relationship with fellow human beings irrespective of religious affiliations.
“I urge that we reflect on this important epoch of our history and let its lessons guide us through life, especially our relationship with fellow human beings, be they Muslims or not. The strong among us should be kind to the weak and let men be kind to the women. As members of the same humanity community, let us accommodate one another. We will not always be here, but what we do or do not do will speak for or against us.
“The ideals behind the Hijrah of the Prophet form strong foundations for good ethics and international system built on non-aggression, mutual cooperation, respect for the rights of others and general human rights, and collective security.
“In keeping with the state policy that we started last year, tomorrow is a work free day in Kwara State. It is in commemoration of this important day. Let us take advantage of it to visit the sick, family members in distress, and reach out to one another in kindness as brothers.
“The public holiday, as I had mentioned last year, is a recognition of your right to seek fair accommodation in the pursuit of spiritual growth and happiness.
“I urge you to continue to support our administration and that of Mr. President. In our own corners, let us avoid inflicting pains on one another.
“On this first day of Hijrah, I appeal to all of us to reflect on the lessons of the event and bring that to bear on how we relate with one another, especially those who may not have voice among us. Let us relate with the weak among us the way the Prophet would relate with them.
“We share in the mood of the moment. I assure you that government will continue to listen to the public and adjust policy response to cater for public needs, even as the government makes decisions that may appear tough but are certainly in the best interest of our society in the long run. We will continue to work hard in the public interest, while asking Allah to ease our affairs and strengthen our faith in Him” the governor said.
Governor Abdulrazaq, who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on counselor, Alhaji Sadu Salahudeen, congratulated Mai Martaba, the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, and the Hijrah Organisations of Nigeria, on this important occasion.
Also in his address, the Grand Kadi of Kwara State Shari’a Court of Appeal, Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen admonished Muslim to take a cue from teachings of Hijrah and called on Nigerians to join hands with governments in their efforts to turn around the fortune of the masses.
In their separate lectures at the event, Shaykh Abdulmumeen Ayara and Shaykh Jamal Yahaya Agodi advised government to continue to prioritise interest of the masses especially at this crucial time of hunger and high cost of commodities.
The event was attended by leading Islamic scholars, traditional rulers and top government functionaries in the state among whom were the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammad Bashir, the Imam Gambari of Ilorin, Baligun Gambari of Ilorin, Magaji Aare of Ilorin, Khalifatu Adabiyah Shaykh Abdulkadir Kamaldeen, Justice Idris Abdullahi Haroon (rtd), Alhaji Ibrahim Oniye, Alfa Bature Ajanasi Agba, Justice Idris Adam (rtd), among others.
