As Muslims across Nigeria and the world mark the beginning of the new Islamic year, Hijrah 1447 A.H, the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) has renewed its call on the Federal and State Governments to officially declare Muharram 1, the first day of the Islamic calendar, as a public holiday.

In a statement signed by the National President of MMPN, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the organization emphasized that such recognition would reflect equity, inclusiveness, and justice, similar to the existing New Year holiday on January 1st of the Gregorian calendar.

“Muharram 1 is our own January 1. We want both the Federal and State Governments to declare it as such in the interest of religious harmony,” Balogun stated.

He noted that recognizing Muharram 1 would give Nigerian Muslims a stronger sense of belonging in the national space, and urged governments at all levels to adopt the Hijrah calendar alongside the Gregorian calendar in public and official communications.

Balogun congratulated Muslims and non-Muslims on witnessing the new Islamic year, urging all Nigerians to reflect on their past actions, turn away from wrongdoing, and embrace positive transformation in the months ahead.

He also encouraged Muslims to use the occasion to pray for divine guidance and wisdom for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration in their efforts to lead the country.

The MMPN President appealed to the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to open dialogue with the Federal Government on the Muharram holiday and other pressing issues affecting the Muslim Ummah.

He further called on lawmakers to enact stringent laws against rape, kidnapping, terrorism, and other crimes, decrying the rising impunity that emboldens perpetrators.

 “These criminal acts are unIslamic and inhumane. We urge all groups involved in violence to lay down arms and demonstrate readiness for peace,” Balogun added.

MMPN commended state governments, particularly those in the North, as well as Oyo and Osun States, for already recognizing Muharram 1 as a public holiday. Balogun urged other governors across the federation to emulate this inclusive gesture.

While wishing Nigerians a peaceful, prosperous, and spiritually uplifting Hijrah 1447 A.H, MMPN advised the public to celebrate in moderation, in line with Islamic principles and the socio-economic realities of the country.

E-signed:

Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun

National President, Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN)

Date: June 26, 2025

Hijrah: 01 Muharram 1447 A.H