Hijrah 1447: Ilorin Emir, Kwara Leaders Call for Unity, Spiritual Renewal
As Muslims across the world usher in the Islamic New Year, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, has called on Nigerians to use the spirit of Hijrah to foster peace, unity, and compassion within society.
In a message to mark the beginning of 1447 AH, the Emir reminded the Muslim Ummah of the significance of Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) migration from Mecca to Medina—a turning point that laid the foundation for a just and peaceful society.
“After arriving, the Holy Prophet negotiated the Constitution of Medina with the local clans, thereby establishing the Muslim community as a socio-political entity for the first time,” the Emir noted in a statement released by his Press Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona.
He urged Muslims to embrace the values of love, forgiveness, and charity during this sacred period, and to extend kindness especially to the underprivileged.
He further appealed for peaceful coexistence across all segments of Nigeria, stressing that Islam promotes peace and harmony as outlined in the Holy Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet.
Commending the National Hijrah Islamic Organisation in Kwara for preserving the tradition of the celebration, the Emir also appreciated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for declaring Thursday, the first day of Muharram, as a public holiday in the state.
“Leaders must continue to preach peace, love, and unity—these are the ingredients for national development,” he added.
Joining in the celebration, Governor AbdulRazaq congratulated Muslims in Kwara and beyond, urging them to reflect on the Hijrah as a symbol of sacrifice, commitment to justice, and spiritual renewal.
“The Hijrah teaches us to abandon all that contradicts peace, social justice, and human dignity,” the Governor said in a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye. He prayed for a new year filled with blessings, peace, and renewed faith.
The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, also extended warm greetings to the Muslim community, encouraging them to use the new year as a time for introspection and spiritual redirection.
“Just like the Prophet’s journey, we too must turn from past misdeeds and pursue a path that promotes progress, harmony and development,” he said.
Similarly, Senator Saliu Mustapha of Kwara Central congratulated Muslims across Nigeria, describing the new Islamic year as a period for reaffirming faith and embracing the values of unity and compassion.
“As we begin another Islamic year, I encourage the Muslim Ummah to remain steadfast in faith and continue to pray for peace and prosperity,” he said in a statement by his media assistant, Nasif Sholagberu.
The Hijrah celebration, marking the Prophet’s migration and the start of the Islamic lunar calendar, remains a moment of deep reflection for Muslims globally. In Kwara, it has also become a call for stronger communal bonds and shared commitment to a better society.
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