The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has felicitated with the Muslim Ummah on the inception of the new Islamic Year or Hijrah Calendar 1443AH.

Dr. Khalid Aliyu, the Secretary-General of JNI, congratulated the Muslim community in a statement issued on Wednesday in Kaduna.

Aliyu said that Aug. 10, marked the commencement of Muharram 1, 1443AH, as declared by the Sultan of Sokoto.

“We particularly wish the President-General, JNI, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, all his subordinates across the country a prosperous Hijrah year.

“JNI, therefore, counsels on the observance of the voluntary fasting of which the Prophet (SAW) strongly urges Muslims to undertake, particularly that Nigeria is enmeshed in too many challenges, hence the need for the supreme intervention through devotions.”

Aliyu however called on the faithful to remain God-fearing and committed to the worship of Allah, be law-abiding at all times, peaceful and industrious.

“Muslims are also reminded not to start up the New Year in celebrations repugnant to Islamic tenets.

“We are implored to as usual pray fervently for the restoration of peace, security cum stability and development of our country, particularly that the new wave of insecurity is seemingly defying all strategies.

“May Allah, the Highest make the New Hijrah Year a source of abundant blessings and prosperity to us all in particular and the entire Muslim Ummah the world over, Amin!”

He also urged the Muslim ummah to continuously seek Allah’s forgiveness, guidance, and protection.
“Important qualities such as fear of Allah, resilience, perseverance, unity of purpose, planning and strategizing, peacefulness and steadfastness should be introspectively adhered to,” Aliyu advised.

The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the new Muslim lunar calendar, also known as Hijri New Year.

The Islamic New Year commences with Muharram, which is considered as the second holiest month after Ramadan, and ends with Dhul al-Hijjah.

Hijrah 1443 AH: Banks shut, state workers on holiday in Osun

According to Islamic mythology, the Islamic New Year began in 622 AD with the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers from Makkah to Madina.

The Hujri 1443AH signifies that it has been 1443 years since Prophet Muhammad’s migration.