The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has advised all Islamic worship centres across the country to take precautionary measures against the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
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Prof. Salihu Shehu, the Deputy Secretary General of the council, gave this advice while briefing newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.
Shehu said the weekly Friday congressional prayers would hold in the National Mosque this week.
The council urged all mosques and other Islamic centres to discourage members experiencing mild symptoms from attending any religious activity.
”We urge mosques and Islamic centres to strongly discourage members from attending any mosque activities even if they are only experiencing mild symptoms,” he said.
He said that the council had been monitoring with keen interest the global development around COVID19 pandemic and the situation in Nigeria.
”The NSCIA wishes to advise all Muslim organisations, Mosque committees, Imams, scholars, Muslims and indeed the entire citizens of our dear country to adhere strictly to directives of health officials.
”It is important for everyone to take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.
”Such precautions include frequent hand-washing with soap, limiting physical contact by giving verbal salutations instead of shaking hands and hugging, observing proper hygiene when coughing or sneezing,” he said.
The NSCIA called on the Imams to sensitise their members on the need to take precautionary measures against the spread of Coronavirus.
”It is important for all parties to cooperate with appropriate agencies working to limit the spread of the disease and to eradicate it.
”The command of Allah is for the faithful to cooperate in doing goodness and piety, and not help one another in sin and transgression (Qur’an 5:2).
“Thus, there should be no circulation of rumours, false and misleading information; and only official statements from appropriate agencies should be relied upon,” he advised.