As Muslim faithful across the world begin the Ramadan fasting, the Bagii of Saki Land, High Chief Adegokeh Abdur-Rasheed Adekilutoro I, has warned against congregational praying and preaching amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
The traditional ruler in a Ramadan message made available to insideoyo.com on Thursday said such gathering is against the guidelines lay down by relevant authorities in the fight to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The High chief while congratulating all Muslim faithful also congratulated the Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Adebisi Oyeniyi Oyedepo II for witnessing the first Ramadan on the throne.
He also thanked the monarch on behalf of the good people of Saki for supporting the community with palliatives during this Covid-19 pandemic.
He said: “I want to congratulate Muslim Faithfuls all over the world for this year Ramadan. This is to enjoin the Muslims to be calm in observing this Ramadan under lockdown. Though this is going to be an unusual Ramadan, a Ramadan without the observance of Taraweeh prayers in congregation.
“Muslims spend the month of Ramadan to fast during the daylight hours from dawn to sunset and it is a time where families come together to celebrate but this year Ramadan will be different. With the world turned upside down, families and friends will not be able to come together in persons but we have to take solace in the blessings and rewards of the blessed month of forgiveness.
“Families, friends and most especially the Jamaah of every mosque should make use of the social media to get connected during this Ramadan by forming Halqaat (circles) of religious discussion.
“Muslims should strictly observe the protective measures of social distancing during this pandemic, ignoring the instructions of the authorities will be tantamount to committing sins in Islam. Allah is not only in the Mosques infact Allah is everywhere let us observe our Taraweeh at home with our families.
“Giving charities and feeding the hunger and poor is an integral part of this month. Lockdown or restricted movements should not be used as excuse for not extending hands of fellowship to our brothers and sisters who are in dare need.
“Oh Allah, make Ramadan this year the end of our sorrows and the beginning of our joys. Maa Salaamah.
“I also want to congratulate the Okere of Saki HIM Oba Khalid Adebisi Oyeniyi Oyedepo II for witnessing this year Ramadan, his first one since his ascendancy to the throne of his forbears.
“I also want to appreciate him on behalf of the people of Saki for deemed it fit to support the community with palliatives during this Covid 19. Okere distributed food stuff worth millions of Naira to the people of Saki Yesterday as Covid 19 Palliative.”
