TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Nigerians, as well as the Muslim world, on the Islamic year of Muharram 1443.

According to a statement by Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, as directed by the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, Tuesday marks the first day of the Islamic month of Muharram, which symbolises Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Makkah to Medina in 622 AD.

Muharram is the first month in the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran.

In the month of Muharram, warfare is forbidden in Islam as faithful believe that their devotion during the sacred month attracts reward from Allah.

The presidential spokesman, in the statement on Tuesday, said Buhari wished Muslims a blessed year, and asked all citizens to embrace the lessons of peace and compassion.

“On the occasion of the Islamic New Year, and the commemoration of the Hijrah, I urge Muslims and other citizens to imbibe the lessons of compassion, peace, and support for one another. I wish all Muslims a blessed year,” Shehu quoted the president as saying.

Buhari also “urged Muslims to reflect on the importance and historic significance of the Hijrah and the overall teachings of the Holy Prophet and follow his examples”.