Lockdown won’t stop Ramadan fast – Rivers Islamic leader says

By Brave Dickson

As the existing lockdown has continued to place doubt over the commencement of the annual Ramadan fast, the state Islamic Leader and Vice President-General, Rivers State Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor has cleared the air.

The state Islamic leader said the lockdown order by the government to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic can not stop the commencement of this year’s Ramadan fast.

In a press release which was made available to our correspondent, Alhaji Uhor said only congregational activities will not be part of this year’s Ramadan fast.

He said the clarification became necessary following doubts among Muslims regarding the holding of this year’s Ramadan fast since its lectures and other humanitarian activities are usually done in the mosques.

“I want to clarify that the COVID-19 pandemic will not stop fasting in the month of Ramadan but will affect congregational activities during the period.

“Muslims in the state should go into the Ramadan with renewed hope for Allah’s mercy and protection on them against the COVID-19, “he said.

The Islamic leader also urged all Muslims to still use this period of hardship to help their neighbours, the needy, the sick, orphans, and the wayfarers with whatever they have for the sake of Allah.