Senator Kola Balogun has urged Islamic faithful and Nigerians in general to pray that the new Islamic year, Hijrah 1444AH, usher the country into abundant peace.
This is as he prayed that the Almighty Allah, the Maker of heaven and earth, positively touch the hearts of all humans from the two great faiths, Islam and Christianity, who are working, knowingly or unknowingly, to divide Nigerians further.
The senator, who represents the Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, stated this in a statement to congratulate Muslims on the occasion of the Hijrah celebrations in 1414 AH.
Senator Balogun, in a statement he signed and made available to the media, wished the Muslim faithful in Oyo South and the state a blessed New Year.
He asked Muslims to continue praying for the peace and prosperity of the country. He called on Nigerians in general to pray for a smooth and peaceful transition to the 2023 electoral process.
We all know what Hijrah means in the Islamic religion. It is the migration to Medina by the great prophet. To the Islamic world, it symbolises the beginning of a new year and a new beginning.
“The essence of the celebration is to renew in Muslims and humanity in general a hope for a new beginning and for all generations to hope for peace and tranquillity.
As we celebrate Hijrah 1444AH, my family and I join our voices to call on our Muslim brothers and sisters in Oyo South Senatorial District and Oyo State to continue to pray for the peace of the state and the country.
“It is my prayer that as we commence Hijrah 1444AH, the Almighty Allah restore peace, tranquillity and prosperity to us all, both as individuals and as a country.
We should continually pray for the country and its people to continue to witness positive improvements and progress as we enter into the New Year, Hijrah 1444AH.
I also urge the Muslim Ummah in Oyo South Senatorial District and Oyo State in general not to relent in praying for peace in the state and the country.
“Above all, I urge Islamic faithful, both leaders and followers of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, to continue to ensure good neighbourliness, love, and peaceful coexistence in their respective communities and the state.
“We should imbibe the lessons inherent in the Holy Flight of the Prophet Muhammad to Medinah, which culminated in the annual celebration of the Hijrah.
“The lessons include worshipping God in truth, brotherhood, love, peace, and promotion of the good welfare of our fellow humans at all times. We should strive to contribute to the betterment of society in our respective capacities.
“It is on this note that my wife, Mrs Gbonjubola Kola-Balogun, and I felicitate Islamic faithful in Oyo South Senatorial District and Oyo State on the celebration of Hijrah 1444AH,” Senator Balogun stated in the statement.