Coronavirus: Muslims worshippers desert praying ground in Ogun state

Muslims praying ground located in Lantoro area of Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital, known to host annual sallah celebration anniversary was on Friday deserted by the faithfuls, and this was also applicable to mosques and other praying grounds across the state.

Penpushing reports that, the deserted ground which was under lock and key was said to be the fallout of government directive in regards coronavius pandemic protocols, which forbids larger congregation, and order that celebrants should stay in their respective homes for prayers.

The  previous celebrations at the, Lantoro praying ground is known to host thousands of Muslims faithful which include government officials who are Muslims.

Penpushing further reports that, Islamic leaders in the state on  prayed  against the coronavirus in the state and Nigeria in general, lamenting over the virus denying them access to mosques during the sallah .

The religious leaders under the aegis of  League of Imams and Alfas  in   message issued by its Secretary General in the state  ,Sheikh (Imam) Tajudeen Adewunmi , urged the faithful to obey the protocols of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

“As was the case during Eid-l-Fitri, this year’s Eid-l-Adha prayers was observed in our different homes which tactically denied us of the usual inspiring Eid Sermons (khutbah), exchange of pleasantries as well as the supplications from the Imams at the Eid grounds. May Allah SWT reward our compliance with His pleasure and accept all our prayers.”

The Imams prayed for quick recovery of those that have contracted the virus , adding “as we celebrate, let us remember those who nurse one ailment or the other, especially those who have been confirmed covid-19 positive.

“We pray Allah SWT to grant all the sick, quick and lasting recovery. And may Allah cleanse our land of all ailments and diseases.”

Penpushing also reports that, the league of Imams, however lauded the state government for  its efforts towards curbing the spread and eliminating the virus in the state .

”We will also use this occasion of Eid-l-Adha to appreciate our Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun (OFR) and his team on their pragmatic and dynamic approach to combating the COVID-19 pandemic, we thank them for assiduously working towards ensuring that our state is free of the virus.

‘We pray Allah (SWT) to further ease their tasks for a successful governance.We pray Allah to continue to sustain our spiritual leaders with right guidance, abundant wisdom and acceptance of iba’dah and supplications.

“May it please Allah SWT that we witness more Eid-l-Adha in sound health and prosperity. May Allah SWT forgive us, pardon our errors, bless our efforts with success in this world and grant us Firdaus in the Hereafter (Aamiin).”

The Muslim leaders enjoined  all Muslims to strive continually to imbibe all the lessons inherent in the slaughtering of ram in theirb lives,and equally advised them to  reflect the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah (teachings) of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in all our dealings.

“We should work together towards the further entrenchment of the pristine Islam and the unity of the Ummah”,the statement reads