COVID-19: Avoid Large Gathering, Hold Eid Prayer At Home — Sultan Tells Muslims

In what appears to be a parting swipe at some governors, Sa’ad Abubakar, sultan of Sokoto, has said muslims do not have to converge for Congregational prayer before the Eid-el-fitr prayers can be held.

The Eid-el-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is expected to take place at the weekend.

It would be recalled that some states have begun to lift ban on large gatherings and worship centres. Kano, despite spike in COVID-19 cases, earlier in the week approved congregational prayer in anticipation of end of Ramadan celebration.

But In a statement on Wednesday, Salisu Shehu, deputy secretary-general of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), said the implored Muslims to avoid large gatherings during Eid-el-Fitri.

He added that the Sultan asked all Muslims to take necessary safety measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Sultan, who is the president-general of NSCIA, said the prayers could be held at home.

Sultan explained that Eid-el-Fitri prayer was not a mandatory religious activity and should at no point be observed if such observation constituted threat to the larger population.

Also read: Kano Govt Approves Congregational Prayer Amid Spike In COVID-19 Cases

“As the month of Ramadan is gradually coming to an end and the Eid-el-fitr is approaching, it is crucial to reiterate that we are living in unusual times when almost everything normal has become abnormal, including social gatherings and large congregational prayers,” the sultan said.

“Therefore, Muslims are enjoined to note that Eid-el-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.

“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).

“Muslims are advised 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.”