As the new Islamic Calendar year 1443 commences across the World, the Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria, FOMWAN Oyo State Chapter has urged the people to move away from all forms of social vices, and allow the high level of religiosity and spirituality of Nigerians to manifest in their character, conduct and dealings with one another.
Oyo FOMWAN made the appeal in a New Hijrah 1443 message issued and signed by its Amirah, Alhaja (Dr) B.B Oloso in Ibadan.
The statement rejoiced with the millions of Muslims across the world and especially the Islamic faithful in Nigeria on the very auspicious occasion of the beginning of another twelve months of the Lunar calendar (Hijrah 1443).
” To Allah be the glory for yet another Islamic year, Hijrah 1443. Oyo FOMWAN is using this opportunity to appreciate Allah, the most Gracious for sparing our lives to witness the new Islamic year. Let us recall that the Islamic year began with the Migration of Prophet Muhammad and his companions from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD. This means that it has been 1443 years since Prophet Muhammad’s migration. He was commanded by Allah to leave the city of Mecca, his hometown where he and his adherents were being persecuted, victimized and oppressed for Medina. Their only sin as alleged by the idolators of Mecca at that time was their firm believe in oneness of Allah and their rejection of the worship of any deity other than Allah.
I therefore want to appeal to us all to resolve to migrate from all sorts of social vices which have pervaded every nook and cranny of our nation and embrace good moral conduct and virtues capable of moving us closer to our Creator and earning us His love and mercy. ”Alhaja Oloso counselled.
The FOMWAN Amirah who applauded the decision of the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde to return Hijrah Holiday, described the announcement of Tuesday (Muharram 1st, 1443) as public holiday for the Muslims in the State as a gesture capable of portraying the Governor as an unbiased Leader while it will also help to further enhance and promote peaceful co-existence amongst adherents of different faiths.
” Special thanks to Governor Seyi Makinde for declaring Tuesday as a public holiday. This is a good development.” She said.
While wishing all members of FOMWAN in Nigeria and particularly Oyo State a happy new Islamic year, Alhaja Oloso also extended same to all members of other Islamic Organizations and prayed to Allah to fill the new year with His mercy, favor, peace and security for the entire nation.