Kwara State Council of Ulamau has agreed to comply fully with the rules on prevention of Coronavirus (COVID-19) as congregational prayers ( Juma’at Prayers) would commence across the state beginning from Friday, June 19, 2020.
Justice Salihu Mohammed, Secretary of the State Council of Ulamau, said this on Thursday in Ilorin towards the re-opening of mosques for congregational prayers the council has agreed to obey government’s order and compliance over the pandemic.
He said it has become imperative for worshippers to ensure that the rule passed by the Ulamau’s and the government were strictly adhered to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, among worshippers.
The Kwara State Council of Ulamau on Tuesday announced the commencement of Jumaat Prayers across the state beginning from Friday, 19th June, 2020.
This followed approval by the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, as well as understanding from the state Technical Committee on COVID-19 under the chairmanship of the State Deputy Governor, Mr. Kayode Alabi yesterday.
Mohammed said that as part of precautionary measures the fumigation’s of the places of worship has commenced in some parts of the state
He added that in line with the laid down principles “All ablution and toilet points in all our mosques in the state will remain open at all times.
“Provision of soaps, running water for the congregation to wash their hands properly before entering the mosque and the use of soap against the use of sanitizer has been approved,” the statement said.
“Council also accepted the use of face masks by all worshippers as well as two meters social and physical distancing must be strictly adhered to while observing all solat as well as Juma’at service,’’ he said.
The Secretary warned that females and children worshipers may attend Juma’at services but also, they must strictly observe COVID-19 safety protocols.
He, however, advised all Chief Imams leading Juma’at services against the reading of long verses in the Holy Quran rather they should read short chapters of the Holy Quran in order to hasten completion of the service within a reasonable period of time.
“However, all worshippers should leave the mosques immediately after solat and proceed to their respective homes for other activities such as supplications and reading of the Holy Quran.”
Mohammed, however appealed for strict compliance with the laid down regulations in order to support the government’s efforts in making Kwara State free from the COVID-19 disease.
Gfhnews reporter observed that various groups like The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), The Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) and Islamic Youth Wing have been providing various centers with the needed items in compliance with the directives.
This is because the provision of soaps, running water for the congregation to wash their hands properly before entering the mosque and the use of soap against the use of sanitiser has been approved.
The officials of the various societies however appealed for strict compliance with the laid down regulations mostly to also also maintain the rule of social distancing during prayers in order to support the government’s efforts in making Kwara State free from the COVID-19 disease.
