The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, and the Assembly of Muslims in Nigeria, AMIN, have charged Nigerians irrespective of their religious belief to embark on special prayers against the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday.
This was revealed in a press statement signed by the Chairman of the Fatwa committee of NSCIA, Sheikh Shariff Ibrahim Saleh Al-Hussaini, CON.
On the basis for the call, he wrote, “The Supreme Committee for Human Fraternity, whose membership consist of the highest religious bodies in the world, has called upon the followers of the existing Divine Religions; Islam, Christianity and Judaism, to pray on the 14th of May 2020, which is equivalent to the 21st of Ramadan 1441 AH, in one voice, so that may Allah the Almighty ends the pandemic of Covid-19 and rid all mankind from its devastative effects.
“The Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, and His Holiness Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church in the Vatican, are the initiators of this call for prayer among other religious bodies worldwide. The United Nations Secretary-General has endorsed and blessed the move, as well as most Muslim scholars and leaders worldwide.”
He then cited some verses of the holy Quran that enjoined muslims to pray and supplicate in the times of crisis including pandemics.
He added, “On behalf of the Fatwa Committee of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria, and on the advice of His Eminence Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, The Sultan of Sokoto, and President General of NSCIA, and on behalf of AMIN, we call on all Muslims, and all Nigerians, Christians and followers of other religions, as well as our friends and loved ones wherever they are, to pray fervently in one voice On May the 14th, 2020 AD, so that God Almighty ends this pandemic.
“It is well established in the prophetic tradition that, during prayer for rain, all citizens are encouraged to go out for prayers regardless of their religion, gender or age.
“We also have the honour to seize this opportunity to renew our appeal to the leaders of all religions in the world, and in our dear country Nigeria in particular, to continue to work hard and sincerely in order to achieve peaceful co-existence in all communities. Conflicts and disputes should be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding based on sincerity and honesty without linking them to any extraneous matters. May Allah the Almighty grant our prayers.”
