Alhaji Abubakar, who made the disclosure through a press statement by NSCIA’s Deputy Secretary-General, Prof Salisu Shehu, on Thursday in Abuja while briefing journalists said, he has has keenly followed the developments around the COVID-19 pandemic globally, and the situation in Nigeria in particular
According to him, It is pertinent to point out that if countries in the world today had abided by the teaching of the Prophet (S. A. W), which says: “Whenever you hear of an epidemic, do not travel to the affected place, and those already in the place should not travel out to other (unaffected) places”, the disease would not have spread quickly and easily to other parts of the world.
Recall that the pandemic disease started in Wuhan, China in December 2019 before it was carried to different parts of the world by travellers and according to latest figures, about two hundred thousand people globally have tested positive for the virus.
Abubakar, who also doubles as the Sultan of Sokoto advised Nigerians, including the Muslims to adhere strictly to all public health directives and regulations provided by the competent and authorized agencies such as Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Federal and State Ministries of Health regarding COVID-19.
He said it is in line with the Qura’nic injunction, where Allah says, “O You who believe, obey Allah and the Messenger, and those in authority among you” (Qur’an 4:59). It is also in line with the injunction of Allah in Qur’an Chapter 16, verse 43 that says: “…..So ask those who possess knowledge if you do not know.”
Read the full press release below
NIGERIAN SUPREME COUNCIL FOR ISLAMIC AFFAIRS
NATIONAL MOSQUE COMPLEX, ABUJA
NSCIA on COVID-19 and Muslims in Nigeria
Bismillah al-Rahman al-Raheem
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of its President-General, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar, CFR,mni., has keenly followed the developments around the COVID-19 pandemic globally, and the situation in Nigeria in particular.
It is pertinent to note that this strain of the coronavirus is the most virulent that the world has had to deal with in recent times; and it is important not to trivialize, oversimplify or politicise the issue.
As it is known to all, Islam is not just a religion in the narrow sense of the word. It is a comprehensive and complete way of life. It has provided guidance to humanity in all aspects of our life.The Prophet (s.a.w.) had given us universal guidance on how to behave and conduct ourselves in a pandemic situation like…