Hijra 1440: Unveiling Osun Muslims’ Desire

 

By Murtala Agboola

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun, has tasked muslims in the state to be good citizens by being responsible and committed to the ideals of Islam.

He made the declaration at the annual Hijra, celebration at the City Stadium, Osogbo recently/last Tuesday.

The governor who was the special Guest of Honour stated that “We celebrate all muslim festivals like Eid Fitr, Eid Adha and Hijra to remind us of our being muslims and to keep to the tenents of Islam”.

He narrated how during the life time of Prophet Muhammad, a man who planned to go on pilgrimage to Mecca but could not, turned out to be the best pilgrim of that year.

The state Chief executive said the man saved money towards going on pilgrimage but could not because a neighbour of his was in dire need of money and therefore decided to hand over the money to him. Later, Allah revealed to the Holy Prophet that the man really was the best pilgrim because he assisted his neighbour who was in dire straits.

The lesson inherent in this message is meant to teach us to be our neighbour’s keeper.

The activities at the stadium organised  by the Osun State Muslim Community (OSMC) in partnership with the State Government of Osun was the grand finale of this year’s annual Hijra celebration marking the commencement of the Islamic Calendar Hijra 1440.

The weeklong activities commenced with the press conference addressed by the President of OSMC, Alhaji Mustafa Olawuyi at the OSMC Secretariat Complex, West Bye pass, Ring Road, Osogbo where he admonished muslims in the state to imbibe the virtues of Hijra.

Hijra, according to the Muslim leader, was the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina but which in contemporary society means changing from a bad behaviour to a good one.

He also noted that Osun Muslim is against the return of schools to former proprietors, just as he hinted that they would fight any government who try to deny female muslim students the use of hijab.

As part of the activities, Quranic competition was organised for students of Arabic and Islamic studies in the state.

Muslims also converge at the central mosque, Oja-Oba Osogbo for the annual Hijra Jumat service.

A colloquium with the theme Electoral Malpractices, causes and Effects: Islamic Solution had Dr. K.K. Busari as the moderator with Dr. Mikhail Folorunso, Alhaji Toyin Yusuf of Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) and a private legal practitioner, as discussants.

Dr. Folorunso examined ballot box snatching, thuggery and ‘see and buy’ as some of the causes of electoral malpractices.

Yusuf alluded to the fact that we are all contributors to the electoral malfeasance in the society. According to him, we demand a lot from aspirants and candidates before they win election and hence they have to recoup their money.

However, all the discussants agreed with Quran 3vs26 that power ultimately belongs to Allah and that He gives it to whosoever he wishes.

They appealed to contestants to be humble, truthful and above all make the fear of Allah as their hallmark. They also asked them to know that there is (Quadara) destiny which determines what a person becomes in life.

Parents were encouraged to play their roles well to ensure their children are well educated and trained to become responsible citizens.

The discussants counseled the media especially the digital one not to announce election results not approved by the electoral body in the forthcoming September 22, election.

OSMC urged all voters to arm themselves with their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) to vote for candidates of their choice.

Olawuyi in his welcome address at the stadium thanked all muslims in the state for their assistance and co-operation to ensure the success of this year’s programmes.

In his lecture on Good Governance, Procedure and Process; Islamic Perspective, Dr. Quamarudeen Bolarinwa of the Nigerian French Language Village, Badagry said democracy is the most fashionable form of government now, but leaders should endeavour to implement manifestoes upon which they were elected.

Good governance, according to him, will ensure the protection of life and property, provision of social amenities to include road, food, affordable housing, education and health services.

Bolarinwa emphasized that Islamically, leadership is a trust (amana) which should be adhered to.

“A leader should be conscious of his duty and the associated responsibility especially the fact that he is answerable not only to the people he is serving but also the creator of both” he stressed.

Prizes were presented to the best schools in the Quranic competition and in the march past.

Dignitaries that graced the occasion included Professor Muibi Opeloye, Chairman of the Day, Alhaji Sulaiman Fagbo, Father of the Day and Alhaja Sidikat Daodu the National Amirah ADS, mother of the Day.