The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has thanked the entire Muslim ummah for complying with the given advisory on the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).
The Council which is lead by its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, noted that except in very few and negligible cases, the reports from all over the Federation indicate that Muslims conduct themselves obediently and adhere to the regulations of the Council regarding the serious situation of the moment.
In a statement, the Deputy Secretary-General, NSCIA, Prof. Salisu Shehu noted that the steps taken to contain COVID-19, including restrictions in the observance of their cherished religious activities, are in furtherance of the letter and spirit maqaasid shari’ah.
According to him, “Every discerning Muslim is aware that the prevailing doctrine of necessity due to Coronavirus is not just a Nigerian issue, it is a global matter of concern. Meanwhile, as the month of Ramadan is gradually coming to an end and the Eid-ul-fitr is approaching, it is crucial to reiterate that we are living in unusual times where almost everything normal has become abnormal, including social gatherings and large congregational prayers.
“Therefore, Muslims are enjoined to note that Eid-ul-fitr is not a compulsory religious activity (fard) and at no point should it be observed if doing so will undermine the fundamental purpose of shari’ah: security, a multifaceted concept which includes personal, community, national, environmental and health components, among others”.
He urged Muslims to act according to the established protocol in their various communities and locations in Nigeria during the forthcoming Eid-ul-fitr.
In his words, “In places where restrictions have been lifted from congregational prayers, Muslims should observe their Eid prayers while still taking necessary safety measures regarding personal hygiene, facial masks and social distancing. It is even advisable that in such places, massive gatherings at one Eid ground in a big city should be avoided.
“Rather the Eid could be performed in area-Mosques to avoid unmanageable crowds. However, in places where the ban on large congregational prayers and socio-religious gatherings is still in force, Muslims are directed to be law-abiding while appreciating that intentions supersede actions and actions are judged on the basis of intentions, as Prophet Muhammad said (Buhari and Muslim)”, he noted.
Furthermore, he advised Muslims to be law-abiding in all circumstances while praying to Allah fervently in their various homes, “if that is what the situation requires, to forgive our sins and heal the world from destructive and disruptive diseases like Coronavirus”.
“In wishing our brothers and sisters happy Eid-ul-fitr in advance, we urge the Muslim ummah to let the lessons of Ramadan regarding faith, patience, self-discipline, devotion, steadfastness and righteousness continue to guide their conviction and conduct beyond the glorious month”, he prayed
