In commemoration of the Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, three northern states in Nigeria – Borno, Yobe, and Bauchi – have declared Monday, July 8, 2024, a public holiday.
The Acting Governor of Borno State, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, approved the holiday to mark the beginning of the Islamic Lunar Calendar, which starts on the first day of Muharram. Similarly, the Yobe State Government declared the public holiday to afford civil servants the opportunity to pray for peace and bumper harvest. Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, also declared the work-free day to recognize the significance of the Islamic calendar and the beginning of a new year.
The Islamic New Year, also known as Al-Muharram, marks the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 AD. It is one of the four sacred months of the Islamic Year and a time of renewal and spiritual growth for Muslims.
The governments of the three states congratulated Muslims on the occasion and urged them to remain committed to the virtues of moderation, piety, tolerance, respect, dignity, and patriotism.
They also encouraged peaceful coexistence with other faithful communities and building ties of fraternity, generosity, and mercy.
