The Chief Imam of Ankpa and Chairman of the Kogi State Council of Ulama’u, Sheikh Salman Adam, has called on Muslims to embrace moral transformation, support security efforts, and uphold Islamic values as they celebrate the beginning of the Islamic New Year, 1448 AH.
Speaking at the 1448 Hijrah celebration held at the Muhammadu Buhari Square in Lokoja on Sunday, Sheikh Adam described the Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a timeless lesson in personal and societal transformation rather than merely a historical event.
According to him, the migration from Makkah to Madinah symbolises a continuous journey away from corruption, greed, indecency, lawlessness, and selfishness toward righteousness, integrity, charity, and obedience to lawful authority.
He urged Muslims to use the new Islamic year as an opportunity for self-reflection, spiritual renewal, and rededication to the worship of Allah and service to humanity.
“As we step into 1448 AH, we must renew our faith, purify our hearts, and replace bad behaviour with good character. We should shun indecent dressing and speech and embrace values that promote equality, compassion, and support for the less privileged,” he said.
The cleric also expressed concern over the nation’s security challenges, calling on citizens to become more security-conscious and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in tackling insecurity.
He urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities, avoid spreading rumours, and reject actions capable of creating division within communities.
Sheikh Adam noted that the essence of Hijrah this year should include a transition from indifference to responsibility and from disunity to solidarity in order to support government efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability.
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He further called for prayers for victims of insecurity, including displaced families, orphaned children, and communities affected by violence across the country.
The Islamic scholar emphasised that Islam does not condone violence or the unlawful taking of human life, stressing that the religion prescribes severe consequences for unjust killings and upholds the sanctity of life.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Kogi State Government, Sheikh Adam commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his support for religious organisations and his commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state.
He prayed for divine guidance, wisdom, and success for the governor in his administration’s efforts to promote justice, development, and security.
The Council of Ulama’u chairman concluded by wishing Muslims a peaceful and prosperous Islamic New Year, praying that 1448 AH would usher in greater spiritual growth, unity, and progress for Kogi State, Nigeria, and the global Muslim community.
The event attracted Islamic scholars, religious leaders, government officials, and members of the Muslim faithful from across the state who gathered to mark the beginning of the new Islamic calendar year.
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