Muslims in Osun State have commenced the celebration of new Islamic year Hijrah 1448.
The celebration kicked off with a Special Jumat Service at the Central Mosque, Oja-Oba in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.
This was followed by a Quran competition at the Secretariat of the Osun State Muslim Community (OSMC) in Osogbo.
At a press conference on Sunday heralding the new Islamic year celebration, the President of OSMC, Sheikh Mustafa Olawuyi, highlighted events lined up for the commemoration of Hijrah 1448.
Olawuyi said part of the events is a colloquium with the tropic: “Political Intolerance and Attendance Problems,” which is aimed at deepening conversation on the need for violence free elections.
The president said that the colloquium will hold at OSMC Secretariat on Monday, June 15, 2026 with Mallam Ishaq Muhammad Jamiu, Fatimo Olayanju, and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as discussants.
It is to be moderated by the Chief Imam of Telemu, Sheikh Raji Musa Oladapo.
Sheikh Olawuyi said a lecture, with the topic: “Youth and Negative Doctrine,” would be delivered by Alhaji Misbaodeen Afolabi Orimadegun on June 16.
He said Wednesday, July 17 is the grand finale to be held at Fakunle Comprehensive High School, Osogbo, where a seasoned scholar, Dr. Taofeek Adekunle, would deliver a lecture on the topic: “Islam and Politics: A case study of Umaru Bin Abdulazeez, an exemplary character.”
Speaking on the significance of events, Olawuyi said the Hijrah calendar remains central to Islamic worship and rites, stressing that Muslims rely on it for major religious obligations, including Ramadan fasting and Hajj pilgrimage.
He said: “We are not imposing it on anybody.
“We only want people to be aware that Muslims have their own calendar that they follow.”
According to him, while Christians and adherents of other religions are allowed to celebrate their own religious calendars, Muslims also deserve official recognition for Hijrah celebrations beyond state-level declarations.
He said: “It should not be limited to states declaring one day a holiday.
“Let it go to the federal level that Hijrah day must be a work-free day for everyone as well.”
Olawuyi explained that the Islamic calendar determines several aspects of worship in Islam, including fasting periods and other religious observances.
He said: “The Ramadan fast is based on the Hijrah calendar, not the Gregorian calendar.
“Without Hijrah, Muslims cannot determine the ninth month, which is Ramadan.”
The Muslim leader also used the occasion to appeal for peaceful conduct before, during and after the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
He warned against political violence and urged residents to allow peace to prevail regardless of political differences.
He said: “Anybody that wins, that is the wish of Almighty Allah.
“Let people go out and vote for whoever they like and let the result be fair.”
Olawuyi also cautioned security operatives and political actors against actions capable of causing unrest in the state, stressing the need for a peaceful and credible election process.
He added: “There has to be no violence before, during and after the election.
“We don’t want an election that will become inconclusive.”
The Chairman of the 2026 Hijrah Committee in Osun State, Sheikh Lateef Olalekan Olayanju, said its spiritual essence goes beyond a change in calendar year.
According to Olayanju, Hijrah symbolises a transition from wrongdoing to righteousness and encourages peaceful coexistence in society.
“When we talk of Hijrah, the deep meaning is that you move from bad to good, from evil to a peaceful and godly way of life,” he stated.
He lamented the growing level of moral decline and social tension in society, urging residents to embrace peace, tolerance, and moral uprightness.
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