The leadership of Jama’atul Izalatul Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah has announced the suspension of its annual Ramadan Tafsir, and other superigatory- Tarawee and Tahajut prayers being observed during Ramadan this is with the view to stemming the spread of the deadly coronavirus pandemic.
The group noted that the decision was informed by the menacing spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and Fatwa by World Islamic bodies taking cognisance of the Islamic principles of ‘preservation of life’, ‘prevention of harm’, and ‘proactive response to impending danger’.
Announcing the suspension the national leader of the group, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, said that the suspensions take effect immediately and until further notice.
“In view of the growing concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) was convened to review the latest guidance available from states and national government authorities.
“In particular, the NEC’s attention was drawn to the recent directives of some states announcing the banning of gatherings with more than 50 persons, the shutdown of schools, among other actions.
“After due consultation with the leadership of all our major organs (Board of Trustees, National Council of Ulamas, Aids groups ) and other stakeholders, the NEC has resolved that Tafsirs and other superigatory prayers be suspended in the incoming holy month of Ramadan.
“But in a place or state where there is no order and no index case, Tafsir and other activities can be done virtually (electronic/online) or with less than 50 persons and social distancing be observed with spaces between attendees.
Bala Lau was emphatic that the group and its officials will not be involved in any other gathering that would involve more than 50 persons until this pandemic is brought under control.
Earlier in the week, the highest religious authorities in some Muslim countries including Turkey and Morocco had suspended all congregational services, including Friday prayers at mosques across the countries to contain the spread of Coronavirus.
The head of the religious affairs directorate in Turkey, Diyanet, Ali Erbas, at a news conference, said mosques would remain open for individuals but not for group prayers.
“Until the danger of spreading the new type of Coronavirus disappears, it has become necessary to interrupt prayers with the community in mosques and masjids [small mosques or prayer rooms], especially Friday prayers,” Erbas said.
Also, Morocco’s supreme religious council announced the shutdown of all mosques for all five daily and weekly Friday prayers until further notice.
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