By Bukola Hameed
As Nigerian Muslims join their counterparts all over the world to begin Ramadan fasting, they have been urged to be moderate and follow COVID-19 protocols while fasting and engaging in other spiritual activities.
This is contained in a statement in Ibadan by Chairman, Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN, Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi.
Alhaji Fasasi said though there is no restriction by government , the traditional activities during Ramadan like Tarawih, Tafsir, group iftar and annual lecture should be observed moderately and in line with COVID-19 protocols so as to prevent the spread of the virus.
He noted that since Ramadan is a month full of blessings, Muslims should use the opportunity to pray fervently to seek Allah’s forgiveness to halt the ravaging COVID-19, which has brought the world to its kneels.
He urged the Islamic faithful especially the wealthy ones to remember the less privileged and others that the current economic challenges have affected bearing it in mind that Ramadan is a month of helping the needy.
Alhaji Fasasi enjoined Muslim philanthropists to take sponsorship of Islamic lectures as a top priority so that Muslims will be able to benefit from such through traditional channels of radio and television as well as new media platforms.
He admonished Islamic clerics who will be handling such lectures and explanation of the holy Quran to lay emphasis on prevention of the spread of coronavirus, as well as issues of patriotism, peaceful co-existence, and love for one another.
Alhaji Fasasi prayed to Allah to give Nigerian leaders the wisdom and power that will make the country survive the post COVID-19 challenges.
He emphasized that since the compulsory twenty-nine or thirty days fasting is hinged on God’s consciousness, Muslims should endeavour to ensure that their actions and inactions follow the dictates of Allah.
