By Yusuf Abubakar.
The spiritual leader of the Tijanniya group in Kogi and Hasken Failat of Kogi, Alhaji Mohammed Shakur Yunusa has sent a message of congratulations to all Muslims in Kogi and Nigeria for witnessing another year of Ramadan fast.
A statement issued in Abuja on Friday advised both Moslems and non Moslems not to abandon their zeal for prayers in the holy month of Ramadan, as witnessed in the last Christian lenten season, to address the lingering pandemic of COVID-19 ravaging humanity worldwide.
Hasken Failat said although this year’s event of Ramadan Fast was quite distinct from what was obtainable in the last few decades, but urged faithfuls not to despair but engage in in-depth and continuous supplications through prayers and abiding by the preventive measures.
He advised Moslem brothers and sisters to adhere strictly to the continuous lockdown directive of states and Federal Capital Territory.
“Stay isolated, stay safe, observe self distancing and washing our hands regularly to avoid the anxiety of community spreading.”
Alhaji Mohammed Shakur warned on the consequences of being lawless towards the efforts of both states and Federal government to control the spread of the new disease.
Hasken Failat expressed worries over the attitude of Nigerians in some circles who still do not believe COVID-19 exists. He stressed that coronavirus is real and it is here with us in Nigeria.
“In that vein, we should recuse ourselves from the usual congregational prayers, yearly Islamic preaching and other provisions demanded by the holy month and adopt electronic mode both in prayers and preaching to contain the pandemic from spreading like wildfire fire.
He assured Nigerians that in the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan fast, the pandemic will definitely go away from the way it came,but we must adhere strictly to government instructions and positions.
The Tijanniya leader plead with market men and women to be magnanimous to people during this holy month, rather than using it as opportunity to extort the hapless Nigerians at this trying period.
The spiritual leader appealed to well to do Moslems and public to show more love in this period of holy month amidst lockdown, wishing them a happy period of the holy month.
