COVID-19: Sultan Orders Closure Of National Mosque Abuja, Other Mosques In FCT

The Management of the National Mosque Abuja on Monday announced the suspension of five daily congregational and Jum’ah (Friday Special) prayers gatherings and other activities in Mosque complex over the Coronavirus (Covid-19) global pandemic.

This is coming on the heels of an earlier statement the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of its President General and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.

“In view of the current health issue i.e COVID-19 crisis, the National Mosque Management has decided to suspend the five daily congregational and Jum’ah prayers, gatherings and other activities in the Mosque and its environs.

“The open space market and restaurants attached to the Mosque are also to be closed. This takes effect from today (Monday 23rd March, 2020) till further notice. While praying Allah to protect us from this pandemic and guide us aright, we kindly solicit cooperation and understanding of worshipers and the general public in this regard,” the statement said.

Earlier, in another statement, signed by the NSCIA Director of Administration, Yusuf Nwoha, with reference no: NSCIA/HQ/PRS/Vol. I/001 28th Rajab, 1441 A.H, the council said all mosques in the Federal Capital territory (FCT) should be shut down immediately.

The council said this is in line with the efforts of the Federal Government to stem the steady spread of the Covid-19 and was done after consultations with Muslim scholars and other relevant stakeholders.

“As hard as this decision is, it became necessary that Muslims should join hands with federal Government and its Agencies in the sustained fight against the spread of the virulent Covid-19 which the World Health Organization (WHO) has since declared a pandemic.

“The decision to close-down Mosques is not alien to Islamic tradition and culture as it could be traced to the time of our noble Prophet (Muhammad). In such situation, the Mu’adhdhin (caller to prayer) is asked to inform the believers to pray in their dwellings. The NSCIA therefore solicits the cooperation of the Imams and all Muslims in the FCT to ensure compliance to this directive as it is in the interest of all and sundry,” Nwoha said.

He prayed Allah to assist humanity to stop the spread of this deadly disease across all the nations, and protect us all.