Lawan seeks prayer against COVID-19

 Sanni Onogu, Abuja and Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

SENATE President Ahmad Lawan on Thursday called on Muslims to use the month of Ramadan to “pray for a quick return to normal life.”

Lawan, in his message to mark the beginning of the Muslim fast, also called on

Muslims to obey all guidelines put in place by government aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19.

He lamented that the prevalence of the disease would not allow for the normal rituals of the holy month to be observed in the usual manner.

Lawan said: “This year’s Ramadan comes at a most unusual time when mankind is contending with an existential threat in the form of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic that has shut down the economy and entire social life throughout the world.

“As part of the measures to combat the pandemic, governments across the globe have directed people to keep social distance and avoid large gatherings, including congregation for lectures or prayers which are some of the dominant features of the holy month of Ramadan.

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“This also affects the “I’tikaf”, the usual seclusion in the mosques during this period, which we have been advised to instead observe in our homes.

“These are part of the sacrifices we have all been called to make, so that we can prevail against the ruthless invisible enemy called COVID-19.

“Therefore, as we enter the holy month, I urge the Muslim community and Nigerians in general to maintain full compliance with the directives given us by the relevant government and religious authorities in the efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.

“These unusual circumstances of the holy month this year offer us a golden opportunity to more solemnly seek the face of Allah, the Most Merciful.

“We should therefore seize the opportunity to pray for the protection of our country and mankind in general against this plague and for a quick return to normal life.”

Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal has warned against the gathering of people during public preaching and voluntary night vigil prayers throughout the Ramadan period across the state.

Similarly, the governor also announced a ban of all international border markets across the state.

The measures, he said, were aimed at checkmating the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

Tambuwal gave the warning while receiving a situation report from the Task Force Committee on COVID-19 in the state.

However, warning on public gatherings for Tafsir and Tarawih prayers in the month of Ramadan was an adoption of the recommendation of the Sultanate Council on both.