Protocols

In the name of Allaah, the most gracious and the most merciful. I beseech Allaah’s blessings on the best of mankind and his household, Muhammad, the teacher of the universe. Sollaa Allaahu alaehi wasalaam

It is the dawn of another Hijra year. We have now entered 1443 AH. I congratulate the entire Muslim ummah on this significant day. The Hijra means a whole lot to Muslims and to the entire world. It marked the rise of a civilisation that is not comparable to any before or after it in human history. To date, that epoch remains a subject of study for historians and seekers of truth from around the world.

In an article published on September 7, 2009 to briefly explain the term al-Hijra to the British audience, the BBC said: “By breaking the link with his own tribe the Prophet demonstrated that tribal and family loyalties were insignificant compared to the bonds of Islam”.

Esteemed brothers and sisters in Islam, this quote partly captures the essence of Hijra. Allah has blessed us with the Prophet who united all tongues and races around the values of Islamic monotheism and universal brotherhood of man, coloured or white.

My message to everyone is simple: let us borrow a leaf from what Hijra symbolises to unite our country and reject everything that stalls its growth. Wherever we stand on party politics, let us unite on common issues of national unity, security, peace and development. Let us reject forces of doom. The movement of the prophet and his lieutenants from Taif and then to Madinna in trickles and the growth and development of Islam in phases should teach us that no nation attains greatness in a jiffy. It takes hard work, discipline, sacrifice and unity of purpose by everyone to develop our country.

I commend the organisers of this rally for their hard work in putting this together. I agree that occasions like this have historical significance and should be commemorated. The sentiments around it are of immense values for generations. Our government is therefore not unaware of suggestions that a day be set aside to enable our Muslim brethren, especially public servants, to fully take part in the commemoration of new Hijra year like their counterparts in a few other states. We are therefore making consultations on it.

I wish everyone Happy Hijra 1443. I bid us to endeavour to internalise its lessons for our spiritual and socioeconomic growth.

I pray Allah to continue to shower His blessings upon the prophet Muhammad and his household, and to grant forgiveness to the Muhaajirun and the Ansaar.

As-salaam alaekum warahmatullah!

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
Governor, Kwara State
August 9, 2021