A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and renowned security expert, Ambassador Abayomi Nurain Mumuni has sent warm greetings to Muslim faithful on the occasion of the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan, urging them to seek Allah’s intervention over coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement released by his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar on Friday, Mumuni congratulated all Muslims who are alive to witness the beginning of Ramadan 2020 despite the current existential threat to humanity by the coronavirus pandemic.
He noted that since the outbreak of this disease in Wuhan, China, many Muslims have contracted it and died as a result, while others are still battling for survival as they receive medical care at different locations across the world.
According to him, It is therefore a thing of joy for those who are still in good state of health at this trying time. It is my prayer that Allah protect all fasting Muslims from this virus that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. May the Almighty heal the affected people irrespective of their religion and make our world a safe haven.
The one-time gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State noted that despite the fact that coronavirus is a medical emergency that has been scientifically proven to be free from religious conspiracies, it could still be situated in the religious context.
He said, “Religious and scriptural understanding show that pandemics as this are influenced by the anger of Allah through human iniquities. Also, they are a sign that the last hour is fast approaching. The coronavirus, in particular, is a consequence of the enormity of human iniquities even though it’s scientifically proven.
“I therefore enjoin Muslim brothers and sisters to take the opportunities in this holy month to seek Allah’s forgiveness and quick intervention to our present situation. Ramadan is the month of mercy, forgiveness and freedom from the shackles of hell.
“It is therefore instructive that we tap this opportunity, while trying as much as possible to refrain from sins. I also advise Muslims to adhere strictly to all the guidelines and precautionary measures established by health authorities in a bid to arrest the spread of the virus.
“Social distancing is very key at this point in time. Religious scholars have ruled that we limit all religious activities indoors and avoid congregation as our rewards still remain intact. Coronavirus is real; do not risk your lives,” he admonished.
The renowned author of “Global Terrorism and its Effects on Humanity”, noted however that if people must go out, they should use their face masks and stick to sanitary practices of washing the hands thoroughly with soap or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, adding that they also share information that would be useful to the government.
He also commended the government, especially the Lagos state government for efforts put together so far in the fight to stem the disease, saying that they should not rest on their oars.
“As the government works towards flattening the curve by ordering a lockdown in the society, they should try to reach out to the less privileged who have been affected by such order. Though palliatives are being distributed, the government should monitor the process effectively so as to serve its cause. Ramadan Kareem to all muslims across the world,” he concluded.
