PRESS RELEASE

The Emir of Gwandu and the Chairman, Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, on Friday, directed Muslims in the state to observe their Ramadan prayers at home, with their families

This direction is in view of the dreaded Coronavirus Disease ( COVID-19), Pandemic.

He has also announced the suspension of Ramadan congregational prayers and public Tafsir in all Mosques across the state.

This is also in view of the prevailing global situation, arising from the Coronvirus pandemic which has engulfed almost the entire countries of the world and still ravaging humanity.

The Emir made the announcement shortly after meeting with his Council and the Council of Ulamas in the state.

The Royal Father further said that, the suspension of congregational prayers and Tafsir at the mosques was sequel to the directives of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, under the leadership of Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, which resolved as follows :

1) Suspension of congregational Tarawihi prayers (in Mosques).

2) Suspension of public Ramadan Tafsir

3) Suspension of Iitikafi (Spending days in Mosques in Worship).

However, the Emir said Friday congregational prayers would continue to be observed according to the directives.

He said,” however, Imams have been urged to make them short, without holding worshippers for a long time.

” Likewise, the five (5), daily prayers would continue, until otherwise, any contrary directives follow later.”

He added that, the Fatwa Councils of the World Islamic Jurisprudence, have made several pronouncements about the necessity of self prevention from affliction, as much, as much as possible.

The measures, the Emir said, include: Social distancing, non shaking or hugging, Isolation of persons who tested positive, refraining from touching or using items belonging to those afflicted and intensification of washing hands as precaution.

In the same vein , he said, Medical Doctors and Health Officials have since been sensitizing the public on social distancing, which was one of the major reasons that led to closure of schools,markets in some places and gatherings which include, congregational prayers of Tarawi and Public Tafsir, among others.

Bashar further reminded Muslims that, the pandemic of plague has been a historical occurrence from time to time.

In a circumstance , it was limited to a section of humanity of minimal individuals, while at other times, it became a global problem by overwhelming all countries of the world.

He also quoted the Hadith of the Holy Prophet which says: “Where pandemic surfaces, anyone within that country should not migrate out of it to another abode, while anybody domiciled outside the territory of its occurrence should not enter the plague area.”

Signed:

YAHAYA SARKI
Special Adviser (SA ) Madia to Kebbi State Governor
25/4/2020