COVID-19: Cleric Contradicts Sultan On Where Muslims Should Observe Eid-el-Kabir Prayer

Contrary to the directive issued by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, that Muslims in the country should observe Eid-el-Kabir in the their local Mosques, the Grand Imam of Ekiti,
Sheikh Jamiu Bello-Kewulere, has directed Muslim faithful to pray in their respective homes.

Bello-Kewulere, who is the President-General of the League of Imams and Alfas in the South-West, Edo and Delta States, issued the contrary directive in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Friday, in Ado-Ekiti.

“In view of the restrictions placed by the state government on places of worship in Ekiti, Muslims are hereby directed to observe the Eid prayer in their respective homes without going to the praying ground.

“Accordingly, the sacrifice of rams should take place as from 9.00 a.m. on July 31, the Sallah day.

“While we continue to pray individually against the COVID-19 pandemic, I urge Muslims to obey the various directives against the virus both during and after the festivities,” he said.

While Abubakar had earlier cautioned Muslims against going to prayer grounds for congregational prayers during Eid-el-Kabir, the Sultan had asked Muslims to observe prayers in their local mosques.

The Sultan, who is the President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), had declared Friday July 31 for Muslims to mark the Eid-el-Kabir.

He made the announcement on Thursday in a statement signed by the Chairman Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Professor Sambo Junaidu.

The Sultan had directed: “In view of the current situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sultan hereby advises all District Heads and Imams in Sokoto State, to observe Eid prayers at their Juma’at Mosques.

“This, in their respective towns and villages and not at Eid Grounds. Also the Muslim Communities throughout the country to do same to help curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the country,” he said.