The University of Ilorin Muslim Community has kicked against the Kwara State Council of Ulamah regarding the reopening of mosques for Jum’ah Services, reiterating that the Unilorin central mosque remains shut down.
Following the directive from the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the Kwara State government has eased the restrictions placed on religious centers, rolling out safety protocols to be followed.
After an initial disagreement with the government on certain modalities required for the reopening of mosques, the Kwara State Council of Ulamah finally reached a point of convergence with the government, thereby allowing for the resumption of Jum’ah services across the state today.
Muslim News learnt that Juma’at services were conducted across the state today.
However, the University of Ilorin Muslim Community has insisted on the closure of the central mosque and other mosques within the University environment.
The Chief Imam of the University of Ilorin, Professor Nasir AbdusSalam disclosed that the decision was reached by the leadership of the University Muslim Community after carefully studying the situation on ground.
The Islamic scholar believed that the coast is yet to be clear as confirmed cases of Coronavirus keep increasing by the day.
According to him, “The daily statistical figures of patients that tested positive increased geometrically in the last five days, between 13th and 17th of June, 2020, that is 0, 0, 1, 17 and 4 respectively.
“In a follow up meeting on the 17th of June, 2020 between the religious leaders and government’s team, the government declined to offer free fumigation of religious houses across the state, meaning that the religious bodies are therefore now responsible for it.”
The Professor of Chemistry called for restraint on the part of the authorities, saying a choice must be made between human life and religious demand.
“Deductions from the bitter experiences of Saudi Arabia, Korea, Isreal, Lagos and Oyo States where they rushed into easing out restrictions but quickly had to reverse the order serve as lesson. There is the need to be cautious and not to be careless with the lives of worshippers. A choice must be made between human life and religious demand.
“The University of Ilorin is currently not in full academic session and there are alternatives for the few staff on essential duty. Consequently, reopening of Unilorin Jum’ah mosque is put on hold till further notice.
The don noted that though the decision was very painful, faithful should not be careless about their lives, stressing that only the living worship Allah.
By Ishola Gaaata/Ilorin
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