Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme
Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad
Abubakar, has urged Muslims across the country to pray in their respective
homes during the forthcoming Eld-Fitri festival, if that is what the situation
requires.
Abubakar in a statement signed by Professor Salisu Shehu,
Deputy Secretary-General, NSCIA, gave this advice in view of the current
coronavirus pandemic.
Our correspondent recalls that Muslims in their large number
usually troop out to observe the two-Rakah Eld-Fitri prayer in large
congregation during the Eld-Fitri festival, but many are wondering what the
situation will be due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Sultan has however cautioned Muslim faithfuls not to
panic again but observe the Eld-Fitri prayer in their respective homes on
Saturday or Sunday if that is what the situation requires.
Abubakar in the statement obtained on
Wednesday, advised Muslims to be law-abiding in all circumstances while praying
to Allah fervently.
He insisted that people all over the world at large and
Nigeria in particular are under intense pressure, but despite the challenges,
Muslims still have reasons to thank Allah because every bad situation could be
worse.
He said, “The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs
(NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto,
His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, expresses profound
thanks to the Almighty Allah for the opportunity of witnessing the glorious
month of Ramadan, 1441 A.H.
“Despite the challenges ravaging the world on account of the
Coronavirus pandemic, the worst in a century, Muslims still have reasons to
thank Allah because every bad situation could be worse. This is why only those
who are thoughtful are grateful and so we are. In appreciating Allah for the
privilege of life, health and His innumerable blessings, we beseech Him to
forgive our late brethren, especially those we lost in this challenging period,
and grant them Al-Jannah Firdaws.
“As the Prophet (SAW) once observed, he who does not
appreciate people cannot appreciate Allah (Sunan Abii Daaud). The Council,
therefore, thanks the entire Muslim ummah for complying with the given advisory
on COVID-19. 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. Leadership is trust and the Council acknowledges the trust the Nigerian
Muslim ummah have in His Eminence that they will not be led in the wrong
direction.
“For the purpose of emphasis, the fundamental purpose of
Shariah or “divine guidance”, popularly construed as “Islamic Law”, which is a
more befitting interpretation of its component, “fiqh”, is security. In Islam,
this security operates at five cardinal levels, otherwise referred to as
maqaasidus shari’ah or objectives of shari’ah. These are the security of
religion, life, intellect, procreation and property.
“These objectives of shari’ah are necessities for existence
in every human society and every society is duty-bound to protect them. The
steps taken to contain COVID-19, including restrictions in the observance of
our cherished religious activities, are in furtherance of the letter and spirit
maqaasid shari’ah. 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 when 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.
“Muslims should, therefore, act according to the established
protocol in their various communities and locations in Nigeria during the
forthcoming Eid-ul-fitr. 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).
“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. Certainly, people all over the world at
large and Nigeria in particular are under intense pressure and the sooner the
pandemic is over, the better for us all.
“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. May
the peace and blessings of Allah be upon His chosen servants. May Allah be
glorified at the beginning and the end and in all circumstances.Taqabbala
Llaahu minnaa wa minkum!”.
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