In view of the outbreak of Coronavirus which poses huge risk to the whole world, the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria, FOMWAN , Oyo State chapter has reminded Nigerians and indeed the whole world of the need to go back to Allah sincerely in prayers for an end to the pandemic.
The Amirah of FOMWAN in Oyo State, Alhaja Dr B.B Oloso gave the charge in a statement issued in Ibadan on the dreaded and deadly virus which has held the entire world by the jugular.
Alhaja Oloso in the statement issued by the state Media Officer of the Association, Alh Oyetunji Oyekunle noted that everyone at this critical moment must return to Allah , the Creator in devotion, veneration and genuine repentance for an end to Coronavirus which has continued to claim lives of people across the globe.
“Whatever problem or issue a Muslim is facing, he returns back to Allāh for respite and His Messenger for guidance; there is nothing that happens in the life of a Muslim except that it has been decreed hence Allah is not unaware of the pandemic. Let us pray fervently for Him to safe us from it”
The Amirah said it was disturbing and disheartening the way the virus was spreading like wildfire to a number of countries, causing nations to close their airports, schools, institutions, companies, markets and borders, imposing curfews and restricting movements , fumigating their towns and cities as well as setting up of treatment and isolation centers to curtail the spread of the virus.
According to her, this is certainly a trial from Allah who said in the Holy Quran , ” Do you think that you will enter Paradise without such [trials] as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, ‘When [will] the Help of Allāh [come]?’ Yes! Certainly, the Help of Allāh is near!”.
“Even religious and worship centers are not spared as many have been shut while thousands have been told to reduce the number of worshipers or attendees. ”
The Oyo State FOMWAN Amirah in the statement further urged Nigerians to observe all.preventive measures including regular handwashing and use of sanitizers, a practice she stressed is in line with cleanliness already well grounded and embedded in the Islamic faith towards preventing all forms of infectious diseases.
While also calling on the people to equally avoid touching their noses and eyes, use nose masks at all times and practice social distancing Alhaja Oloso appealed to residents of the State to stay at home as directed by Government and other health officials.
She assured of the readiness of FOMWAN to work with other Faith based organizations in sensitizing members of the public on ways of preventing the spread of the virus.
” It is pertinent to console with nations and families that have lost their citizens and loved ones to the pandemic, may Allah put an end to rampaging pestilence.”
” Let me also appreciate Governments at all levels for efforts taken to contain the virus. We must however do all that is right in fighting the virus and avoid embezzlement of funds donated or earmarked to manage the Covid-19 pandemic. The Nigerian Government must also put measures in place to cushion the effects of stay at home on the citizens like has been done in other countries.”
