COVID 19: FG, Islamic Leaders Meet On Ramadan

By Fola James

The President Muhammadu Buhari administration is currently in a quagmire on how to deal with this year’s Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for muslim adherents which begins on April 23 in the face of the corona virus pandemic.

The president on Monday extended the stay-at-home order in Lagos, Ogun and FCT by another two weeks, to enable government contain the spread of the disease.

At least 383 Nigerians have tested positive for the virus according to the National Council for Disease Control, NCDC.

Buhari had in a national broadcast said his government will do everything possible to contain the virus.

Whether this will also include cancelling congregational prayers during the Ramadan, no one can tell at the moment.

The suggestion came on the crest of announcement on Monday by Saudi Arabia authorities that suspended Taraweeh prayers in Mecca and Medina during this year’s Ramadan.

Saudi authority took the action to prevent the spread of the deadly corona virus from spreading in the country.

Saudi’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, said on Monday that the important prayer during Ramadan, will be held at home, to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

According to the minister of Islamic affairs, Abdul Latif Al-Sheikh, the decision became necessary in order not to endanger the health of the citizens.

“The suspension of performing the five daily prayers at mosques is more important than the suspension of Taraweeh prayers.

We ask Allah the Almighty to accept Taraweeh prayers whether held at mosques, or homes, which we think is better for people’s health.

We ask Allah the Almighty to accept prayers from all of us and protect humanity from this epidemic that hit the entire world.

This is a precaution in line with the prohibition of gatherings, so that funeral prayers take place at cemeteries should not exceed five to six of the deceased’s relatives, and the rest pray at their homes,” the statement read in part.

Nigeria has one of the highest cases in the continent and the government is trying to discourage social gathering.

Mosques are currently shut across the country, whether this situation will extend to the holy month of Ramadan still remains uncertain.

“This will be a very hard decision for Islamic leaders in the country and the government. Many states in the country, particularly the Muslim North have not announced total shutdown. I believe the government is currently meeting with Islamic leaders to fashion the way forward,” Taofik Adebori told the magazine in Lagos.

He said Muslims are prepared to abide by any decision taken by government in public interest.

Taraweeh, held as the last prayer of the day during Ramadan is compulsory for every Muslim during which the entire Quran is also recited.

It’s usually a congregational prayer.

Religious experts told the magazine that the leadership of Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria, SCIAN will meet with the government to decide on the issue.

SCIAN is under the leadership of Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III.