Emir of Ilorin, after Sultan declaration of New Islamic Year, greets Muslim Ummah
By SUMAYYAH ADEFAKA-ONIFADE
Following the declaration, Friday night by Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, of sighting of new moon of Muharram 1446 AH signposting the beginning of Islamic New Year in Nigeria and globally, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Mai-Martaba Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, has sent out his feIicitations rejoicing with Muslims in the state and beyond.
The Sultan, according to a statement signed by Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, was said to have declared Sunday July 7, 2024 as Muharram 1, 1446 AH as new moon was not sighted on Dhul-Hijjah29, 1445 AH making the counting conplete 30 on Saturday July 6.
Traditionally and characteristicslally of him, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu-Gambari, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, further confirmed the sighting of the new moon as announced by tge Sultan to his Emirate subjects, describing Muharram as the 1st Islamic month which shows Allah’s blessings on His creatures.
He noted that “with the commencement of another year, Muslim Ummah in Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State at large should remain steadfast in prayers and appreciation to Allah in spite of all odds.
“Hijrah represents so many things in the lives of Muslims globally especially in the history of the lifetimes of the noble Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).”
“Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had to emigrate from Makkah to Madinah in 622 C.E. after he exhausted his patience with the Makkah pagans who were persecuting him.
While praying for Almighty Allah to grant the Ummah the opportunity of this celebration many years ahead, the Emir congratulates Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON, for witnessing another Islamic year on earth.
