ISLAMIC SCHOLER CALLS ON NIGERIAN MUSLIMS TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO HIJRAH CALENDAR:

By Bamanga Abdullahi Gombi

Muslims across Nigeria have been called upon to pay greater attention in to the Hijrah (Islamic) calendar, as a scholar describes it as essential to preserving acts of worship, Islamic identity, and the unity of the Ummah.

The Chief Imam of Mopol 14, Mbamba Jumma'at Mosque, Bashir Thahir. made this known in an interview with Radio NIgeria on Friday, following his weekly sermon.

According to Imam Thahir, the Islamic calendar, consisting of 12 months, is 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar because each month spans either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon.

He explained that the calendar was introduced during the era of Caliph Umar Ibn Khattab, with its starting point being the Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Makkah to Madinah, underscoring the significance of timekeeping in Islam.

Quoting the Holy Qur’an, the Imam noted that    "indeed the number of months with Allah is twelve months" beginning with 

Muharram and ending with Zulhijjah.

"It is through the Hijri calendar that we come to know the four sacred months of Muharram, Zul-Qa'dah, Zul-Hijjah and Rajab, during which war and disputes are forbidden."

Imam Thahir emphasized that the importance of the Islamic calendar cannot be overstated, as it serves as a constant reminder to Muslims of their religious obligations.

He highlighted that the calendar guides the observance of Ramadan, the Day of Arafat, Eid celebrations, the day of Ashura, and other significant Islamic occasions.

Beyond worship, Imam Thahir pointed out that the Hijri calendar plays a crucial role in Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh).

He further noted that the calendar helps preserve Islamic history by marking major events such as the conquest of Makkah.

The Imam commended Islamic organizations that promote the use of the Hijri calendar, stating that such efforts contribute to unifying the Muslim Ummah in the observance of their religious rites.

However, he raised concerns that while the Gregorian calendar dominates schools, offices, and commercial activities, the neglect of the Hijrah calendar is gradually weakening Muslims' connection to their faith and historical roots.

"We commend the Muslim Council of Adamawa State for producing and distributing the Islamic calendar annually, with the aim of unifying the observance of Islamic rites. We also acknowledge the Council for Islamiyya Schools and other Islamic organizations for their efforts."

Imam Thahir called on parents, schools, and the media to integrate the Islamic calendar into daily life, saying this would strengthen Muslim identity and deepen spiritual commitment among the younger generation.