By Umar Danladi Ado
The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo has congratulated Nigerian Muslims on the beginning of the New Islamic Calendar 1446 After Hijira.
The period marks the commencement of the new month of Muharram, the first in the Islamic calendar, according to the Minister, is the period of deep pondering and replenishing obligation to the degree of our belief and commitment to fostering unity and stability in our nation.
A statement issued by Adamu Abdullahi, SSA Media and Publicity stated the Minister also appealed to Muslims to reflect on the positive sides of the preceding year and use the occasion to pray fervently for peace and prosperity to reign in the country and accord ironclad support to the administration of president Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s quest to better the lives of the citizens.
Gwarzo, therefore, stressed the need for Nigerians to join hands together, devoid of religious or ethnic differences, saying that harmonious relationships are the basis of moving the country forward.
“Our progress depends on how we implement the teaching of Islam, which teaches mankind how to live with one another in peace,” Gwarzo says, adding that “now the new Islamic Calendar has commenced, it is a duty bound upon all Nigerian Muslims to operate according to the dictate of Islamic principles for the betterment of our country.”
The Minister, therefore, praised Nigerian Muslims for their unswerving loyalty and contribution to the development of our democratic institutions in the country. He declared that the New Islamic Year would be prosperous as Nigerians would count blessings and opportunities during the period.