Sunday, July 7th, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Council held their annual Hijra celebration. The celebration which is recognized as a new calendar year for the muslims took place at the Ansar-Ud-Deen Secretariat, Ijegun, Lagos State and was witnessed by members and committees of the society. Special guest speaker, Sheikh lmam Zakariyah muh’ Thanni , Missioner Lagos State Council, spoke on the topic ‘Hijra and food security in Islam’. Also present was the Chairman Lagos State Council Alhaji Abdulrahman Olabode Salaudeen.

At the event, Alhaji Nojeemdeen Sodiya, Committee Chairman IPC(Islamic propagation committee) commented on the celebration of Hijra and how it helps every Muslim turn a new person. “Hijra is an annual celebration held here in Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria. It is a time to help all unbelieving Muslim change a new leaf. During this period all unbelieving Muslims should repent from their sins and become useful to themselves and the society.” He further stated that Muslim scholars should learn from their past mistakes and change for the better. He emphasized on the youths, stating that they should be of good ambassadors and they should work onwards the propagation of Islam. Also speaking at the event is the Secretary Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria Lagos State Council, Alhaji AbdulRosheed Olayinka Akinola. He said that Hijra is an annual tradition that takes place annually in the society. “Hijra is the movement of the holy prophet from Mecca to Medina. It’s a period to check our lifestyle in the past year and change them for the better.” He further stated that the significance of Hijra was to mark the beginning of a new Islamic calendar as the new year brings along with it, peace and justice. It is also a year that marks the liberation of humanity from racism, inequality and injustice among others.

In conclusion, Alhaja Rukayat Busari Jaji, a prominent member of the society gave insights of what Hijra is all about, stating that it is a new year whereby they pray to Allah for a change in their lives for the better. She advice that everyone should learn from past mistakes and become a better person this new Islamic year.