27/06/2025
The Kogi State Muslim Organizations (KOSMO), a coalition of all the Islamic organizations in the state 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 KOSMO Chairman, Sheikh 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.
He urged the governments at all levels to heed the longstanding call by the Muslim community in the state for government to declare Islamic New Year as public holiday as obtainable in many parts of the country in fairness to the Muslims of the State.
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 added that, 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 and emphasized that everyone must make a new Year resolution today as another form of Hijrah.
In his remarks, the Guest Speaker and Kadi of Kogi State Sharia Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Yakubu Abbas, who spoke on the topic: DISUNITY AMONG THE MUSLIMS, A GLOBAL CHALLENGE: WAY OUT said:
"Disunity within the Muslim Ummah is a complex issue with historical roots and ongoing challenges. It stems from various factors, including political disputes, differing interpretations of Islamic law, adhering to lust and selfish interests, dishing out verdicts without adequate knowledge, ethnic and dogmatic sentiments, and a lack of adherence to core Islamic principles." He maintained that: This disunity weakens the Muslim world, making it vulnerable to external challenges and hindering its progress.
Justice Abbbas noted that the first thing the Prophet (PBUH) did on arrival in Madinah was to build a mosque and unite the companions, underscoring the importance of mosques and unity among the Ummah.
The guest lecturer warned Muslims against doctrinal disagreements, hypocrisy, jealousy, animosity, and a focus on worldly matters over spiritual ones can lead to conflicts and divisions within the Muslim community.
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).
