This is to formally convey to all that the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC) has reported and the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Emminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar mni, CFR, has approved that Saturday the 25th day of October 2014 is the first of Muharram 1436AH.The Ummah is therefore enjoined to note that the NSCIA has declared Saturday, the 25th day of October as the first day of MUHARRAM 1436 AH.
In furtherance of the declaration, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar mni, CFR, felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and their counterparts all over the world on the auspicious occasion of the new Hijrah Year 1436 A.H. which begins on Saturday, Muharram 1 1436 corresponding to October 25, 2014 of the Christian Era (C E)
The significance of the New Year lies in the lesson the Hijra of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) offers Muslims to migrate from whatever is wrong and sinful and the potential it holds for all to be closer to Allah through devotion and obedience. Without migrating from disobedience to obedience, sinfulness to righteousness, indiscipline to discipline, kufr and shirkto Islam, as enshrined in the Qu’ran and Sunnah, the essence of Hijrah is compromised and defeated.
Therefore, as the New Year begins and new vistas are opened, Muslims are enjoined to use the privilege of witnessing another year to renew their faith and commitment to righteousness. They are to come closer to Allah and re-dedicate their lives to His divine service and humanity. Allah says, “O you who believe! Enter perfectly in Islam (by obeying all the rules and regulations of the religion) and follow not the footsteps of Shaitan. Verily! He is to you a plain enemy.” (Q. al-Baqrah.2:208)
The NSCIA enjoins Muslims to intensify their prayers for good, responsible and responsive leadership in Nigeria as well as support free, fair and credible elections in the New Year during which elections are scheduled to hold as Allah answers the prayers of the distressed and the oppressed. “Our brothers and sisters are urged to supplicate that Allah continue to expose the evil-doers in Nigeria and render their plots and stratagems against Islam ineffectual.”
May the New Year be a harbinger of glad tidings to all!
Happy New year to the entire Muslim Ummah! Kullu ‘aamin wa antum bikhayrin!
Prof. Is-haq O. Oloyede, OFR, FNAL
Secretary-General
For and on behalf of the NSCIA
