As Nigerian Muslims celebrate the conclusion of the 2025 Ramadan with millions around the globe, the Islamic human rights group MURIC (Muslim Rights Concern) has called for an end to the persecution faced by Nigerian Muslims.
The organization asserts that Nigerian Muslims continue to live under occupation until they receive all their civic rights, which should encompass, among other things, declaring the first day of the Islamic calendar (1st Muharram) a national holiday similar to how 1st January is observed annually.
The statement was made in an Eid al-Fitr message issued on Sunday, March 30, 2025, by the organization’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
The statement reads:
As Nigerian Muslims celebrate alongside millions across the globe marking the conclusion of the 2025 Ramadan season, our warmest wishes go to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the Sultan of Sokoto, who also serves as the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
As Ramadan is thought to begin with forgiveness, flourish in the middle with blessings, and conclude with liberation, we urge an end to all forms of oppression against Nigerian Muslims.
We argue that Nigerian Muslims have faced continuous subjugation from the time of the British invasion of the Sokoto Caliphate through Sultan Attahiru’s final battle in 1903. Based on current circumstances, this domination may persist unless these individuals receive full civil rights, which should encompass, among other measures, recognizing the first day of the Islamic calendar (1st Muharram) as an official public holiday akin to how 1st January is observed annually.
We would like to highlight to the Federal Government that its role has significantly contributed to the ongoing oppression of Muslims in this nation due to its neglect in designating the first day of the Islamic calendar (1st Muharram) as an official public holiday, similar to how 1st January is observed annually.
We insist on equality. The Hijrah holiday is an integral part of our God-given basic human rights. It’s disappointing that only some states have recognized the Hijrah holiday, while the federal government remains indecisive. How can the federal government grant a national holiday for Christians on January 1st but fail to do so for the Islamic holiday of 1st Muharram in most regions? Shouldn’t fairness apply universally? Is Nigeria solely considered a Christian nation?
Nigerian Muslims feel they are being regarded as a subjugated populace. It seems reminiscent of events from 1903, which serve as a stark reminder of past conquests. They perceive themselves as being treated as inferior citizens.
We call for equality and fairness. January 1 holds the same significance as the first day of Muharram when promoting interfaith harmony. Now is the perfect moment to address this issue. Given that over eight states have acknowledged the importance of the first day of Muharram and designated it as a public holiday, this strengthens our argument even at the federal level. Consequently, there’s no logical reason for a Muslim-Muslim ticket to hold back from freeing Nigerian Muslims who have endured prolonged religious discrimination.
FG might grasp MURIC’s perspective once it recognizes the prolonged nature of the challenge they face. In earlier times within this nation, Muslims were unable to attend ‘Id (Salah) prayers since the colonial administration didn’t recognize it as a holiday. As a result, Muslims had no choice but to go to work or school instead of observing their holy day.
There was a period when Maulud Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s birth anniversary) was not acknowledged, while the celebration of Jesus’ (Peace Be Upon Him) birthday had been recognized since the 1914 consolidation. Is this fair?
We have consistently had to fight for liberty step by step. We fought individually first for Id al-Kabir, then for Id al-Fitr, and subsequently for Maulid! Even now, we continue to struggle for 1st Muharram. When will freedom come? When?
Even though the British Christian colonial authorities who stripped the ‘subjugated’ Muslim population of all their civic freedoms departed in 1960 and 1963, subsequent Nigerian administrations have not managed to liberate the Muslims.
“We have reached our limit. We refuse to live under subjugation. The present government needs to grant freedom to the Muslim community. We insist that the upcoming 1st Muharram, 1447—corresponding to Friday, June 27, 2025—be declared a nationwide public holiday.”
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