Former vice President, Atiku Abubakar has declared that COVID-19 is a test from God in his Sallah message to Nigerians.
Atiku asked Nigerians to continue to adhere to the guidelines set by health authorities because it is for the benefit of everyone.
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He said the restrictions under which fasting was observed this year did not make it less valid because anything that happens is ordained by Allah.
Atiku also said as Muslims it is to be expected that their faith will be tested individually and as an Ummah.
“All these strictures could not have made our fasting less valid because, as Muslims, we believe that everything that happens is with the command of Almighty Allah. We are taught in the scripture and the Sunnah of Noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that God would test our faith individually and as an Ummah,” he said.
“The current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic is a test from Allah and, having fasted as we are enjoined as Muslims, let us continue to remember that it is part of our faith to protect all lives and to abide by regulations from those in authority, especially during a time of great uncertainty like this.
“Those protocols about avoidance of crowded places, social distancing and regular washing of hands are for our own benefits and the benefits of humankind in general.
“As Muslims, it is incumbent upon us to do our best both in action and in prayers to ensure that the world is healed of this deadly virus in the earliest possible time.”
Atiku further reiterated that government must put the welfare of people first when planning for the post COVID-19 era.
“People in leadership positions all over the world should learn from countless examples of how Prophet Muhammed (SAW) and his immediate disciples took the welfare of the people as priority in administration of a state,” he said further.
“This time calls for sacrifice in leadership. This is no time for extravagance and living in luxury.This year’s Eid-el-fitr celebration is already a special one.
“But I wish all Nigerian Muslims and their counterparts across the world a more special celebration, filled with pleasant moments as we pray together and enjoy the day with our families.”