Following the spread of Coronavirus in the country, some notable Islamic organisations have suspended their programmes indefinitely.
Leading the pack were the Nasrul-il-Lahi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), The Companion, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria and Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN).
Also, Jumat Service has been suspended across the state.
The Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, who met with imams yesterday, said all the imams have been informed to suspend Jumat Service.
The Chief Imam of Lagos State House of Assembly Mosque, Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, announced on his Facebook account that “there will be no Jumat Service until further notice due to the government policy on Coronavirus.”
The Alausa Secretariat Mosque and Old Secretariat Mosque at GRA Ikeja have been shut down.
NASFAT in a statement by its National President, Alhaji Niyi Yusuf, suspended “all the programmes of the 25th anniversary except tree planting at Port Harcourt and Aseese, which are to hold as scheduled with a caveat that the total attendance must be less than 50 persons.”
Yusuf said with effect from Thursday, the focus of the society will now be only on programmes that can be done virtually (electronic/online) or with less than 50 persons
He added: “All Jumat Service, Tafsir session and Tahajud programme on Fridays at all our mosques/locations are hereby suspended. Asalatu service at all our branch/group locations is also suspended.”
Lekki Muslim Ummah (LEMU) announced the shutting down of its mosque, thereby suspending all congregational prayers and activities indefinitely.
A statement by its Publicity Secretary, Alhaji AbdulFattah Olajide, said the LEMU President, Dr. Kamoru Omotosho, ordered the suspension of congregational prayers and activities at the mosque in line with the Lagos State Government’s directive banning the gathering of more than 50 people.
He urged worshippers to perform their prayers at home.
Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN) also suspended all activities, particularly weekly Asalatu, Jum’ah prayers and any gathering of up to 50 people.
ADSN National Publicity Secretary Sola Hassan urged members to pray at home and observe personal hygiene.
“We acknowledge that many of our members and mosque users might find this decision uncomfortable, we should please be reassured that this is for the good of the community,” Hassan said.
The Companion Amir (President) Alhaji Thabit Sonaike hailed the Lagos State Government for banning all religious congregational service involving over 50 worshipers.
“This has become imperative in the light of limited facilities in the state and nationwide to test, quarantine and treat patients that may be infected if these proactive measures are not taken to curtail the spread of the virus.
“Life is sacrosanct in Islam and health is a necessary condition to the preservation of life. All lawful measures taken to preserve health and life are therefore welcomed by The Companion. We urge Muslims to continue their individual and congregational daily prayers at home and establish greater bond with their family,” Sonaike said.
MSSN Lagos State Area Unit Amir (President) Dr Saheed Ashafa announced the suspension of 11 programmes, including the annual April Islamic Vacation Course (IVC).
Ashafa said a new arrangement on the suspended programmes would be communicated in due course.
“Participants are encouraged to remain hopeful as our organising committees are optimistic that things will turn out better in no distant future. Our members should adhere to the guidelines given by experts and government agencies,” Ashafa said.
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