The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has ordered the shutdown of all mosques in the federal capital territory (FCT)
The directive was made known in a statement on Monday by the director of administration of the body Yusuf Nwoha, it said the command is in line with the government’s steps to put a halt to the spread of coronavirus.
“In line with the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigerian to stem the steady spread of the Coronavirus (COVID 19), the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of its President General, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni and Sultan of Sokoto, after consultations with Muslim Scholars and other relevant stakeholders, has today the 23 March, 2020 ordered the immediate shutdown of all mosques in the Federal Capital territory,” the statement read.
“As hard as this decision is, it became necessary that Muslims should join hands with the federal Government and its Agencies in the sustained fight against the spread of the virulent COVID 19 which the World Health Organization (WHO) has since declared a pandemic.
“The decision to close-down Mosques is not alien to Islamic tradition and culture as it could be traced to the time of our noble Prophet (S.A.W). In such a situation, the (Mu’adhdhin) is asked to inform the believers to pray in their dwellings.
“The NSCIA therefore solicits the cooperation of the Imams and all Muslims in the FCT to ensure compliance to this directive as it is in the interest of all and sundry.”
NSCIA had earlier implored Muslims to adhere to public health directives which it said is in line with one of the decrees of Allah.
