This New Year is not just a time for celebration; it is a moment for deep reflection, renewed commitment to faith, and fervent prayer,” the statement read.
— Imam Sharafudeen Aliagan
The Ashraaf Islamic Foundation has extended warm felicitations to the Muslim Ummah across the globe as the Islamic New Year, 1447 AH, begins with the sighting of the 1st of Muharram.
In a statement issued by the Foundation’s Director of Communications and Information, Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan, on behalf of the spiritual leader, Imam (Dr.) Sharafudeen Abdulsalam Aliagan, the organisation urged Muslims worldwide to embrace the spiritual and moral essence of the Hijrah season — peace, patience, unity, and renewed faith.
The Foundation noted that the 1st of Muharram is not only the beginning of the Islamic calendar but also one of the four sacred months declared by Allah in the Qur’an (Surah At-Tawbah 9:36), which states: “The number of months according to Allah is twelve, as ordained on the day He created the heavens and the earth. Out of these twelve, four are considered sacred, and this is the correct and upright religion. Muslims are instructed not to wrong themselves during these months…”
According to the statement, the month of Muharram presents a unique opportunity for the global Muslim community to reflect, repent, and rededicate themselves to the path of righteousness.
“This New Year is not just a time for celebration; it is a moment for deep reflection, renewed commitment to faith, and fervent prayer,” the statement read.
The Foundation used the occasion to call for a ceasefire and peaceful resolution in areas currently ravaged by conflict, particularly the ongoing war between the Republic of Iran and the State of Israel. It appealed to global leaders to adopt peaceful dialogue and diplomatic engagement instead of further violence and bloodshed.
“The bloodshed, displacement, and trauma of innocent civilians must come to an end,” it stated, while also highlighting crises in Palestine, Sudan, Yemen, and parts of the Sahel region. “There will be peace!” as declared in Qur’an 36:58 (Salāmun qawlam min Rabbir-Raḥīm).
Turning attention to Nigeria, the Ashraaf Islamic Foundation expressed concern over the country’s persistent socioeconomic and political challenges, praying for divine intervention in national affairs. The Foundation offered heartfelt prayers for the well-being of Nigeria and the generality of Muslims across the world.
The statement prayed for God to “shower His mercy upon our nation, grant our leaders wisdom, sincerity, and fear of God, and lead us as a people to the Promised Land of justice, prosperity, and security.”
The Foundation expressed hope that the new Hijrah year would mark a new chapter in the country’s development, unity, and leadership direction.
The Foundation further emphasized the need for unity among Muslims globally, irrespective of sectarian or ethnic differences, quoting the Qur’an (21:92): “Indeed, this Ummah of yours is one Ummah, and I am your Lord, so worship Me.”
Ashraaf called on the global Ummah to rekindle the true spirit of Hijrah by leaving behind disunity, hatred, and materialism, and instead embracing mutual compassion, spiritual growth, and communal development.
Reflecting on the historic migration of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the Foundation identified three key virtues that defined the success of the Hijrah: Faith, Patience, and Sacrifice. These enduring qualities, it said, are timeless tools that every Muslim can emulate to achieve success in all areas of life.
As the year 1447 AH begins, the Foundation prayed for a year filled with peace, barakah (blessings), and steadfast Iman (faith), asking Allah to protect the Ummah and guide humanity on the straight path.
“Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum. Happy New Hijrah Year – 1447 AH.”
