Muslim Media Practitioners Demand Public Holiday for Islamic New Year

The Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) has renewed its call on the federal and state governments to declare the first day of the Islamic calendar, Muharram 1, a public holiday, arguing that millions of Muslims deserve the same recognition accorded Christians on January 1 of the Gregorian calendar.

The group made the demand as Muslims across Nigeria and the world marked the commencement of Hijrah 1448 A.H on Tuesday.

In a statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, MMPN said the declaration of a public holiday for the Islamic New Year would reflect fairness, justice, and adherence to the rule of law while strengthening religious harmony in the country.

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

The association argued that official recognition of the Islamic New Year would give Muslims a greater sense of belonging and further reinforce national unity in Nigeria’s multi-religious society.

MMPN also urged governments at all levels to formally recognize and use the Islamic calendar alongside the Gregorian calendar in official engagements.

The group called on the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to engage government authorities on the issue and other matters affecting the Muslim community.

While congratulating Muslims and non-Muslims on the new Islamic year, Balogun urged adherents of Islam to use the occasion for self-reflection, moral renewal, and prayers for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

He also commended governors in several northern states as well as Oyo and Osun states for declaring public holidays to mark the Islamic New Year and urged other state governments to emulate the gesture.

On security, Balogun condemned ongoing attacks and killings by insurgent groups, describing them as un-Islamic, and appealed to perpetrators to embrace peace and end violence.

He further advocated tougher legislation against rape, kidnapping, and terrorism, lamenting what he described as a culture of impunity that allows many offenders to evade justice.

The MMPN president urged Nigerians to celebrate the Islamic New Year in moderation and pray for peace, stability, and progress in the country.