14th October, 2015
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has admonished Muslims and other Nigerians to rededicate themselves towards living pious life to enable them achieve the purpose of their creation.
Obasa, who gave this advice in his message to usher in the new hijrah – New Islamic year 1437AH, observed that many people, including the leaders and followers in the polity needed to take a flight from evils, malpractices and activities capable of retarding spiritual growth and national development to embrace enviable virtue and deeds that can turn the country to a great nation.
‘‘Muslims and non-Muslims, particularly in Nigeria, are enjoined to migrate, as performed by the Holy Prophet Muhammad, from evil and run towards where there is peace and tranquility,’’ the Speaker said.
Continuing, he argued that ‘‘taking a flight from activities that are injurious to our faith and national stability and development are highly recommended now, especially when efforts are being made to rebuild the nation.’’
According to the Speaker, ‘‘the new Islamic year would afford us the opportunity to seek direction to depart from old life, which is bereft of piety and goodness, and hold firmly to new ways of life that will bring socio-economic prosperity and honour, not only to us individually, but to us as a country.”
He then congratulated Muslims across the globe, saying however that, witnessing this New Year ‘‘signifies renewed hope and opportunity to move close to Allah in all our religious obligations.’’
To him, the Hijrah has become one of the pillars of Islamic heritage and direction which needed to be celebrated gloriously.