The Northern States Governors’ Forum has congratulated the Muslim community on the commencement of the Islamic New Year 1446 AH.

The Chairman of the forum and governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, sent the felicitation message in a statement signed by Isma’ila Misili, the Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe, on Sunday.

He emphasised the significance of the Islamic New Year in the lives of Muslims.

He urged the faithful to offer special prayers for adequate rainfall and a bumper harvest, as well as for peace, unity, growth and prosperity in Gombe State, Nigeria and the world at large.

He noted that “the Islamic New Year is a time for reflection on the past and a moment to look forward to the future with renewed hope and commitment to the values of Islam and humanity.”

He stressed the need for tolerance and collaborative efforts among the diverse people of Gombe and assured of the government’s support for people-oriented projects and programmes that would promote socio-economic development.

The NSGF chairman expressed optimism that the new Islamic year would usher in more opportunities for the state and the nation, calling on the people to strengthen their faith and remain steadfast in their prayers for continued blessing from Almighty Allah.

The Islamic calendar consists of 12 months, similar to the Gregorian calendar.

However, it consists of 354–355 days, unlike the 365–366 days in the regular calendar.

The Islamic New Year starts with Muharram, which is the first month, followed by Safar, Rabi al-Awwal, Rabi al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Shaban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul Qadah and Dhul Hijjah.

The Islamic calendar is based on the sighting of the moon, which started after the hijrah (migration) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madina.

 (NAN)