An Islamic cleric, Sheik Abdul Isola, has urged Muslim faithful to use forthcoming Ramadan to pray for Almighty Allah’s mercy on the entire world.
The month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar, is a period Muslim faithful Worldwide observe compulsory fasting, prayers and sober reflection.
Isola, who is the Chief Imam of Uwani Islamic Centre, Enugu, made the call on Wednesday in Enugu.
He spoke on the sidelines of the need for Islamic ummah to obey the government’s directive toward the containment of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Ramadan period provides special period and opportunity for faithful to draw near to Almighty Allah and seek His face concerning the hardship and hard time coronavirus had imposed on everyone in the World.
“It should be a time for sober reflection and time to make amend of our wicked ways and seek Almighty Allah’s forgiveness through repentance, prayers and good deeds.
“I must tell you, coronavirus is part of Allah’s anger over the life-style of men.
“And as such, everybody especially Muslim faithful at this period and time of grace of Almighty Allah should use Ramadan to pray for Allah’s mercy on the entire world.
“I sincerely believe that Almighty Allah the Most Merciful and Benevolent will hear our prayers and roll away coronavirus from the entire earth,’’ he said.
The cleric, however, urged Muslim ummah to always obey the government’s directive on physical distancing and do their prayers in the private during the Ramadan.
“The special prayer, which is usually done in the evenings during Ramadan period, should be done privately also.
“While they should follow Ramadan lectures and exhortations on television, radio and other accessible electronic platforms within their homes,’’ Isola, who is also the Chief Missioner of the centre, added.
The month of Ramadan might commence on Friday, April 24 or Saturday, April 25 depending on the sighting of the moon.