Islamic New Year 2023: Northern Christian Clerics Advocate For National Holiday Recognition 

A team of Northern Christian Clerics Ahead of the upcoming Islamic New Year celebration 2023, known as Muharram, which marks the beginning of the Islamic Lunar Calendar, has extended their warm wishes to Muslims across the 36 states of the federation, and other Africa and Arab world.

They urged Muslims to intensify prayers for peace and unity in the country, and the rest of the world,

Pastor Yohanna Buru conveyed this message when a team of Muslim youths and scholars visited him at his residence in Sabon Tasha, southern part of Kaduna. Nigeria.

The purpose of the visit was to foster good relationships with him and other Christian youth organizations in the area, while promoting peace building.

according to him, It is worth noting that this visit coincides with the celebration of World International Friendship Day which comes up on July 30th, 2023.

Pastor Buru, who is known as the advocate of peace, send thousands of peace massages through his social media on Islamic New Year, emphasized the importance of these messages in promoting peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance among Muslims and Christians.

He Added that, “Muharram, which is the first month of the Islamic Calendar holds great significance for Muslims”. While encouraging Muslims to engage in religious activities during this sacred month, also known as the Hijri and the “Month of Allah.”

He extended his heartfelt wishes to every Muslim in the state and around the world. urges residents of the state to continue living peacefully, promoting tolerance, by supporting the government’s mission to foster peace and unity among its citizens.

Buru stated that, this year’s Muharram celebrations, which comes up 19th July 2023, coincide with the high cost of living. In light of this, he called on Nigerians to demonstrate tolerance, forgiveness, and support the government’s efforts in addressing all forms of ethno-religious, political differences that disrupt peace and stability in the country.

Furthermore, he emphasizes the shared values between Muslims and Christians, highlighting on their common belief in one God, that is the Holy Bible and Qur’an. He promised to join Muslims in their celebration to promote religious tolerance and forgiveness.

He appeals to Muslims to remember the less-privileged, orphans and widows in society, by extending assistance to them,. And to also embark in ceaseless prayers for an end to the security challenges that affect peace, stability, and economic development.

Adding by requests the federal government to declare first day of the new Islamic Calendar as public holiday, allowing Muslims to celebrate their day with joy and happiness. Saying some states in Nigeria have already declared the day a holiday for their citizens to celebrate in a special manner.

The sighting of the new moon of Muharram will mark the end of the Islamic lunar calendar 1444 and the beginning of the New Year 1445 After Hijrah. Buru congratulates the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, Sheick Dahiru Bauchi, Sheick Ibrahim Elzazzaky, Sheick Halliru Maraya, Sheik Ahmed Gumi, and others on the occasion.

Similarly, Pastor John Joseph of the Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, Sabon Tasha emphasizes the importance of peace and harmony in southern Kaduna and Nigeria as a whole. He said the unity of all people under God, encourages and strengthening relationships for peace and harmony in the country.

Responding also are Religious leaders of the Christ Evangelical Church in Kaduna, and other Christian leaders, expresses the need for Muslims and Christian youth leaders to refrain from hate speeches, while encouraging them to live in peace and harmony with each other.

On his own part, Mallam Gambo Barnawa, also the Youths leader in the state, emphasizes that the celebration of the Islamic New Year is not limited to Muslims alone but extends to all of humanity. He then expresses gratitude to the Christian leaders for sending SMS messages to Muslim youths, congratulating them on the new Islamic Year.

Barnawa appreciates Pastor Yohanna Buru and other pastors for visiting Muslims during Eid al-Kabir prayers and for their assistance in clearing grass for Muslims to pray, and also for their support of food stuff provided to widows and other less privileges during Ramadan. He prays for the continued strengthening of Christian-Muslim relationships and for peace and unity in northern Nigeria.

Olusola Akintonde