By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The Kogi State Muslim Organizations (COSMO), under the auspices of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), on Thursday, celebrated the 1447 AH Islamic New Year during which a heartfelt appeal was made to the Nigerian government and relevant stakeholders to prioritize the welfare and wellbeing of prospective pilgrims amidst mounting economic challenges.
Making the passionate appeal at the event held at Justice Aboki Juma’at Mosque, Lokoja, on Thursday, the COSMO Chairman, Nasirdeen Yusuf Abdallah commended the efforts of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Kogi State Hajj Commission and associated agencies for their continued work toward ensuring a smooth pilgrimage.
However, the Organisation urged authorities to take further steps to ease the financial and logistical strain on intending pilgrims.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Hassan Yakubu Enape, described the hijrah as a significant event in the history of Islam.
He described the Hijrah as a milestone in the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as it marked the beginning of liberation for the believers.
He urged the governments at all levels to heed the longstanding call by the Muslim community in the state for government to subsidize the cost of hajj.
In his remarks, the guest lecturer and Kadi of Kogi State Sharia Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Yakubu Abbas, said Hijrah, by implication, goes beyond the migration of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions from Makkah to Madinah, saying it also includes eschewing bad deeds for good deeds, and promoting what is right always against the wrong.
Justice Abbbas noted that the first thing the Prophet (PBUH) did on arrival in Madinah was to build a mosque, underscoring the importance of mosques in Islam.
The guest lecturer warned Muslims against hypocrisy, saying it destroys one’s good deeds.
According to him, “The atmosphere where hypocrisy operates does not yield positive things.”
He enjoined Muslim leaders to learn patience as a virtue for effective leadership.
“A leader does not jump at issues but pays attention and listens more than talks. This is part of the lessons derivable from the Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).”
The event was well-attended by the representatives of the divisional Imams, scholars, leaders of various Muslim associations, women groups, students from Arabic and Islamic institutions, among others.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the public presentation of copies of the 1447 Hijrah Calendar produced by the Kogi State Muslim Organizations (KOSMO) and presentation of awards.
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