Kwara Hijrah celebration: Islamic scholars urge transparency, unity in governance
Islamic scholars have called on political leaders to embrace transparency, justice and accountability in governance as Muslims across the world mark the 1448 Islamic New Year.
The call was made on Tuesday during the 1448 Hijrah celebration organised by the national headquarters of the Hijrah Islamic Organization at the Kwara State Stadium Complex in Ilorin.
Delivering a lecture titled “The Unknown Destination”, Mudir Markaz, Sheikh Habibullah Adam Abdullah El-Ilory, represented by Dr Sambaki Abdulqodir, said Nigeria was facing a period of hardship and uncertainty that requires collective prayers and sincere leadership.
He said the challenges confronting the country had affected citizens across all sectors, urging Islamic scholars and religious leaders to continue praying for peace, stability and progress.
According to him, Nigerians must remain steadfast in their faith and trust in Allah despite prevailing difficulties.
Also speaking, the Grand Khadi of the Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice Abdulateef Kamaldeen, described Hijrah as a season of reflection, sacrifice and renewed commitment to nation building.
He urged Islamic scholars to promote unity within the Muslim community and among Nigerians, rather than encouraging division.
Justice Kamaldeen said the Islamic New Year offers an opportunity for individuals to assess their conduct and contribute positively to national development.
He also advised leaders at all levels to govern with justice, transparency and the fear of Allah.
Earlier, the Second Vice Chairman of the Hijrah Islamic Organization, Alhaji Ibrahim Koto, expressed concern over the country’s security challenges, economic hardship and rising unemployment.
He urged political leaders and public office holders to be truthful in their engagements with citizens, fulfil their promises and avoid making unrealistic commitments during election campaigns.
In his remarks, Sheikh Mustapha Muhammad Kamal-Deen Khalifatul-Adabiyy, represented by the National Missioner of Ansarul Islam, Sheikh Abdulmumin Ayara, reflected on past Hijrah celebrations and the loss of prominent Islamic figures, including the late Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Soliu Muhammad Bashir.
He called on Muslim leaders to prioritise unity and prayed for a successful reign for the new Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki.
The Emir of Ilorin, represented by the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Dr Abubakar Akanbi, members of the Kwara State Council of Ulama, religious organisations and schoolchildren attended the event.
Highlights of the celebration included Qur’an recitations, march-pasts by schoolchildren and the unveiling of the 1448 Hijrah calendar.
