Date: 30th Dhul-Hijjah, 1437 AH 2nd October, 2016
HAPPY NEW HIJRAH YEAR 1438AH
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and their counterparts all over the world on the auspicious occasion of the new Hijrah Year 1438 A.H. which begins on Monday, Muharram 1, 1438 AH corresponding with October 3, 2016 of the Christian Era (C E).
The significance of the New Year borders on the opportunity it 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 shirk to 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, not a right, 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)
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 bless the efforts of Nigerians who work hard for the benefit of Nigeria and humanity.
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!
SIGNED
Ustaz Christian Isa Okonkwo,
Director of Administration NSCIA.
