By Joyce Remi- Babayeju
The FCT Administration has directed that Muslim faithful should offer their Eid prayers only at Juma’at mosques premises.
FCT Minister Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello gave this directive yesterday when la delegation from the FCT League of Imams Initiative led by its Chairman, Imam Tajudeen Adigun met with the minister to discuss the modalities for the Eid prayers for the upcoming Eid el-Fitr celebrations amid the COVID- 19 pandemic.
Bello said the directive was based on battle against the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic experienced in the FCT which resulted in increased number of fatalities and positive cases adding that it was imperative to prevent a possible third wave as is being witnessed in some countries across the world.
Meanwhile the Health and Human Services Secretariat of the FCTA has issued guideline that here will be no Eid prayers at the National Eid prayer ground along the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Expressway (Airport Road) and enjoined all worshippers to hold Eid prayers outdoors within the premises of the neighborhood Juma’at mosques.
Indoor worship are to be limited to less than 50% of installed capacity. Religious authorities are advised to regulate the flow of people entering and exiting places of worship.
All non-pharmaceutical intervention protocols of facial coverings, physical distancing and hand washing are to be observed.
All other Eid celebrations and activities should be confined to homes as all public parks, recreation and entertainment centers are to be closed.
Dr Tajudeen Mohammed Bello Adigun, speaking on behalf of the League, said “In Islam, you listen to experts, those who are specialists and those who have actually discussed with us are experts in the field of medical sciences. In Islam, you also abide with the commands of leadership.”
He also urged Muslim Ummah to also respect the FCT Administration by observing Eid prayers within people’s localities.
