TheCable

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has suspended congregational Ramadan prayers, Quranic sessions and seclusion carried out in mosques during Ramadan.

Yusuf Nwoha, NSCIA director of administration, announced this in a video shared via the council’s Twitter account on Saturday, explaining that it is as a result of the rising COVID-19 cases in the country.

As of Friday evening, Nigeria had recorded 1, 095 confirmed cases of COVID-19, out of which 208 patients have recovered while 32 persons have died.

The director asked Islamic scholars and organisations to use electronic media in carrying out Ramadan activities.

“The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of President-General, His Eminence, Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar, congratulates the Muslim Ummah on the commencement of the fasting of the month of Ramadan besseching Allah to grant us the blessings of the month and to inscribe us among the inhabitants of al-jannah,” he said.

“The council has directed the suspension of congregational Tarawih, Majaalis Tafsir (Quranic sessions) and I’tikaf (seclusion) in the mosque during the month of Ramadan.

“Islamic scholars and organisations are to employ the electronic media for dissemination of Tafsir and other Da’wah activities.

“Janazah (washing, shrouding, prayer and burial) of Muslim victims are to be carried out by officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other government health officials.”

Nwoha quoted a part of the Holy Quran in chapter two verse 195 which states thus; “make not your own hands contribute to (your) destruction”, thereby urging Muslim faithfuls to desist from acts contrary to laid down guidelines.

He said the sultan prays that Allah preserve the lives of Nigerians beyond the month of Ramadan.