Editor’s note: Subair Mohammed, NAIJ.com partner blogger in this latest article explains why Nigerians should use the period of Hijrah, the new Islamic calendar, to reflect on their past, seek forgiveness from Allah and learn to live in peace and harmony.
He could be contacted via: mohammedsubair872@yahoo.com
For every Muslims, a thought about Hijrah brings to mind the noble Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Makkah to Madina in 622 AD; a journey away from the persecutions of Muslims by polytheists and the hostile environment in Makkah, with the aim of finding protection in another secured place and forming a new community founded on piousness.
Hijrah is a time for reflection of our past, assessment of the present and planning for the future and it is symbolic for all Nigerians especially for every Muslim as it comes at a time the government of the country is battling to institutionalise integrity and probity in governance and a positive change in the socio-political and economic lives of the masses.
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As creatures of Allah (SWT), we have to look beyond religion divide to instil in our individual and national lives the spiritual and moral lessons in Hijrah celebration.
For me, Hijrah transcends prophet’s fleeing the hostility in Makkah. But it is more of dissociating and seceding from social vices, immoralities, corruption, and it is for both the leaders and the led to be dutiful to one another.
Above all, Hijrah is a walk away from divisible acts that are capable of threatening the unity and peace of Nigeria.
Prophet Muhammad’s Hijrah can be understood from two perspectives; the physical and spiritual angles.
When viewed from the physical angle, Prophet Muhammad’s Hijrah was a transitional line between two states; a movement from the state of weakness to that of security; it was a movement from oppression to freedom while spiritual Hijrah is a transitional line between the human weakness in faith to a position of firm belief in Allah and His commandments, a state of disobedience to one of obedience.
For us as a nation, the significance of Hijrah celebration lies in our collective assessment of our attitudes towards nation building, and deviating from negative attitudes and upholds the virtues of good towards leading a better life in the hereafter.
Therefore, it is essential to examine our relationship with our creator, Allah, ourselves and with our neighbours.
Every moment a believer spent on this earth brings him closer to his death therefore, it is enjoined on a Muslim to prepare himself for life after death by improving his relationship with Allah and with people.
The new Islamic year constitutes a great opportunity for both Muslims and non-Muslims to correct the mistakes of the past. It is also an opportunity for agitators of Nigeria’s disintegration to have a rethink about their stance and team up with the government of the day to dialogue and resolve the causes of discord.
According to `Umar ibn Al-Kattab’s sincere advice, one should bring himself to account before he is taken to account and weigh his deeds on the Day of Judgment.
On this day of Hijrah celebration, we must bring ourselves to account by checking our deeds and realising our errors and making amends appropriately.
Hijrah should not be a mere physical journey; it should be a total deviation from what Allah forbids to embrace what He instructs.
Hijrah should represent a new page with which all Nigerians start a new life, a life that pleases Allah and with what will help them lead a happy life in this world and in the hereafter.
As Muslims, it is expected of us to do a checklist of our relationship with ourselves, our neighbours and our Creator with the aim of correcting any ills and improving on the good deeds. We should be inclined to observe our daily prayers, dhikr, and other religious obligations.
At Hijrah and beyond, sincere repentance is highly recommended. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Oh people, repent to Allah, for indeed, I repent to Allah 100 times every day." (Muslim)
Allah accepts repentance of His creatures. He forgives all sins as He, Almighty, is the Most forgiving, the Most Kind. Allah Almighty says:
{Say: "O my Servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.} (Az-Zumar 39:35).
Therefore, Hijrah is a golden opportunity not only for Muslims but all Nigerians to renew and maintain sincere repentance and devotion to Allah in worship.
Meanwhile, repentance cannot be considered as valid unless it takes the following steps:
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It must be filled with deep remorse for the sins committed;
The sinner must totally refrain from it and abstain from all circumstances that led him to the sin;
He must be firmly resolved never to sin again, and immediately becomes occupied in whatever good deeds that he can in order to wipe out his past sins. And Allah is All-forgiving. Happy Hijrah celebrations to all Nigerians.
Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had previously reported that some Islamic groups called on the federal and state governments to declare Muharram 1, the first day of the Islamic Hijrah Calendar 1438 A.H, a public holiday.
Watch this NAIJ.com video as a Christian converts to Islam:
Source: Naij.com
ROSY CREST
Friday, 29 September 2017