Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) the umbrella body of Muslims in the region on Wednesday warned Muslims in the region to celebrate the forthcoming Eld-Kabir festival in a way that will not lead to further spread of coronavirus.
The organization gave the warning via a statement signed by its Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer, Professor Muslih Yahaya.
Yahaya in the statement made available to DAILY POST in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, added that Muslims have every reason to thank God despite the Ccoronavirus challenges.
He, however, warned them not to celebrate the Eld-Kabir in such a way that will lead to wider spread of coronavirus.
He said, “The secretariat of the MUSLIM UMMAH OF SOUTHWEST NIGERIA (MUSWEN) wishes to rejoice with the entire UMMATUL ISLAM in Nigeria and indeed in the whole world, as we approach the day of Arafah and subsequently the Eid el-Adha celebrations for this year 1441 AH /2020 CE.
“We beseech Almighty Allah to enable us witness the days and many more of them in good health, abundant means of sustenance and with ever-increasing iman and taqwa.
“That worshippers compliance with restrictions during Eid el-Fitri was impressive and it would be praiseworthy if similar approach is displayed in the period of Eid el-Adhaa (Ileya festival).
“That the already established protocols of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) should be adhered to as Eid prayers are offered in area mosques and prayer places.
“However, in the situation whereby places of worship are not spacious enough to accommodate numerous worshippers at a time, segmented devotion similar to Salah al-Khawf as highlighted in Q4:102 could be adopted.
“That the naflah of Eid el-Adha, like that of Eid el-Fitr, is not obligatory but supererogatory and could be observed in the premises of residential areas. Therefore, efforts should be made to safeguard breach of the laid down measures in order to avoid unnecessary contacts that may lead to wider spread of the virus.
“Families and close relations should keep together as much as possible and pray to Almighty Allah to bring the pandemic to an end very soon.
“In order to compensate the generality of the people for cooperating with the authorities, governments should intensify efforts, not only in finding effective and lasting remedy to COVID-19 but also in handling all matters relating to the pandemic with utmost sincerity and truthfulness”.
