Hijrah: Let's celebrate and foster unity among Muslims across the globe

The Chairman of the Muslim Media Corporation in the New York City, Sheikh Musa Drammeh has called for unity among the Muslims, following the celebration of a new Islamic year.

Today is officially the Islamic New Year – the First of Muharram, the date that is chosen to coincide with the expected first sighting of the lunar crescent after the new Moon in the month of Muharram.

Though many Muslim festivals have been greatly affected by the coronavirus pandemic, there is still cause for Muslims to thank Almighty Allah for being alive to witness another year.

Drammeh pointed out that the essence of Hijrah celebration is to continue to restore hope in the hearts of the Muslims.

“Hijrah celebration comes with lots of benefits to the Muslims. It is celebrated to rekindle hope in the heart of the Muslims,” Drammeh said.

He added that Hijrah, which is migration, teaches the Muslims moral great lessons.

“When we say Hijrah means migration, it is not about movement from location to location, it is migration from bad to good.

“It is expected of all Muslims to leverage this occasion to forester unity, peace and positive change in the world,” he stated.

“Let’s use this occasion to change the narrative about Islam and Muslims. We are the best creatures on earth. Islam touches every aspect of our lives. It teaches peaceful coexistence. We should practice what our religion preaches.

“I wish every Muslim a joyous celebration!,” he added.

According to the CEO of the Muslim Media Corporation, Mutiu Olawuyi, Hijrah marks the celebration of the Islamic New Year’s Day.

Mutiu opined that it is a significant event in the Muslim world.

“The day commemorates the Hijra or migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Medina in 622 CE, which led to the establishment of the Muslim community there,” the CEO said.

He noted that it is an event that is not universally celebrated among the Sunni Muslims.

While wishing Muslims all over the world a great celebration of Hijrah 2020, he said that despite the heavy impacts of Covid-19 pandemic, the festival still calls for celebration.

He admonished that the celebration is an occasion that calls for unity among the various Muslim denominations.

“Islam is a religion of peace. It preaches peace and encourages Muslim faithful to adhere strictly to the teachings of the holy Qur’an and emulate the lifestyles of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

“Hijrah celebration is a momentous event that should further foster unity among the Muslims. It brings us together as a people,” Mutiu said.

He urged Muslims to live by the moral lessons embedded in this celebration and “accommodate one another, irrespective of our denomination.”