The Lagos Central Mosque has commemorated the 1446AH Hijrah with a renewed call on the state government to declare a public holiday for future celebrations of the new Islamic year.
This request mirrors the practices of several states in the South West, including Ogun, Oyo, and Osun, which have already begun declaring Hijrah holidays.
During the event held at the Lagos Central Mosque in Idumota, stakeholders reiterated their appeal to the Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to recognize the significance of Hijrah by officially declaring a public holiday in honour of the Muslim community.
Alhaji Sikiru Alabi Macfoy, the Baba Adinni of Lagos State and Chairman of the Lagos Central Mosque Management Board, highlighted the historical and religious importance of Hijrah, emphasising the need for official recognition by the state.
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Sheikh Sa’adullah Bello Olohunlalaro, the guest lecturer and Chief Imam of Oluwole Ogba Central Mosque, Ikeja Division, explained that Hijrah signifies more than just the physical migration of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions from Makkah to Madinah.
He stressed that it embodies the transition from bad deeds to good deeds and the continuous promotion of righteousness over wrongdoing.
Sheikh Bello Olohunlalaro also underscored the foundational role of mosques in Islam, noting that the first action of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) upon arriving in Madinah was to build a mosque.
He praised the Lagos Central Mosque for its role in mediating disputes and promoting peace within the community.
The chief imam urged Muslim leaders to exhibit patience as a key leadership quality, emphasizing that effective leaders should listen attentively and deliberate thoughtfully before acting. This lesson, he noted, is one of the many derived from the Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
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