In an open letter to Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, Associate Professor Sunusi Iguda raised concerns about the government’s involvement in New Year celebrations, which he believes resemble Christian festivities.
Sunusi Iguda, who teaches at the Faculty of Communication, Bayero University Kano, expressed disappointment over the government’s participation, questioning the appropriateness of such practices in a state with strong Islamic traditions.
The university don pointed out that while Islam promotes tolerance, it strictly forbids involvement in non-Muslim celebrations, particularly those linked to shirk (idolatry). He emphasized the difference between personal observances and official state involvement in festivals that contradict Islamic values.
Iguda warned that such actions could undermine Kano’s Islamic heritage, urging the governor not to set a precedent by endorsing such celebrations.
He called for the revival of the Islamic calendar alongside the Gregorian calendar, as was done under former Governor Malam Ibrahim Shekarau. Iguda believes that adopting the Islamic calendar in public and government spheres will help preserve the state’s cultural and religious identity, ensuring that future administrations stay aligned with the values of the people. He concluded with a sincere nasiha, quoting a Hadith about prioritizing Allah’s pleasure over the approval of others.
Read the full letter:
AN OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR ENGR. ABBA KABIR YUSUF
KNSG Celebrating the New Year Should Not Be Our New Normal
I happened to be out of the country in 2024 and couldn’t grasp the new normal in Kano as our government celebrated the New Year in the same way Christians do. When I was passing by the so-called Filin Mahaha at Kofar Na’isa playground around 10 PM on December 31, 2024, I witnessed preparations with decorations and uproar around the area but couldn’t figure out the purpose behind it all. Later in the night, we heard fireworks all over the place and people celebrating the beginning of the new year 2025.
To my dismay, I learned that such an event was either organized by the government or, more precisely, endorsed by KSG.
It became apparent that a dangerous precedent is about to be set in Kano, and people are beginning to normalize it, as nobody seems to care to detest it, caution, or at least call the concerned authority to order. I believe this is part of the nasiha that people should always offer to leaders they sincerely love, voted for, or wish well during their tenure.
The overall guidance of Islam regarding relations with non-Muslims has always been clear and unambiguous. On matters of faith and aqeedah, the parameters set are never compromised, and celebrating jahiliyya festivals is part of what is not allowed. On interpersonal and community relations, Islam encourages building good relations with accommodating minds—neighbors, co-workers, and non-Muslim relatives—so long as they don’t conceal betrayal. On diplomatic and international relations, Islam is flexible, depending upon the circumstances and antecedents.
Sir, there is always a clear distinction between religious tolerance and complacency towards other belief systems. The former is encouraged, while the latter is disapproved in the strongest terms. It could even lead to blasphemy in Islam.
Kano is a Muslim-dominated state known for its deep Islamic culture and heritage. Its people are considered religious, even when one pretends not to be perceived as such. The lifestyle of Kano has always been Islamic. It would not be good for the government to initiate any move that could erode this centuries-old legacy in the name of popular culture or religious tolerance. No right-thinking proponent of this government, nor any person of Abba Gida Gida, would ever wish for such a destructive initiative to be set by you. Please, sir, stop it. Do not allow it to persist under your administration.
Celebrating the New Year by the government differs from celebrating it as an individual, particularly in the way it took place at Kofar Na’isa. The Prophet (SAW) taught us how to do everything. He was once asked by his companion, who was about to slaughter a camel in a place called “Buwana.” The Prophet (SAW) inquired, “Is there any form of jahiliyya ritual ever performed there?” The righteous deed is disapproved in a place where idol worship is observed. What about a celebration that signifies the beginning of a year, marking the birth of a deity other than Allah (SWT)?
To understand the extent to which the Prophet (SAW) detested anything close to “shirk,” he was reported to have separated two sticks that accidentally merged together while walking on the road, as long as they gave the impression of a cross.
Sir, this is just a sincere nasiha to your good office. I conclude with a Hadith narrated by Aisha (RA) on the authority of Ibn Hibban. Mu’awiya (RA) once asked Nana Aisha (RA) to offer nasiha to him. She said that the Prophet (SAW) said: “Whoever seeks Allah’s pleasure in what makes people angry, Allah (SWT) will be pleased with him and will make people pleased with him. But he who seeks people’s pleasure in that which causes Allah’s wrath, Allah’s wrath will engulf him, and people will disapprove of him.”
Please, sir, revive for us the use of the Islamic calendar alongside the Gregorian one, as was once initiated and institutionalized in all administrative processes in Kano by Malam Ibrahim Shekarau. Please, sir, give directives that the Islamic calendar be printed en masse and freely distributed to government units and even to the general public. By doing so, Allah (SWT) will be your protector from all evil and make your tenure blessed and worthwhile.
Sir, do not set the dangerous precedent for KNSG to celebrate the New Year as it took place twice since you became the governor of the largest and most populous Muslim state in West Africa.
Sincerely,
Sunusi Iguda
Associate Professor, Faculty of Communication
Bayero University, Kano