An Islamic group, Dairat Jafariyat Fitorikat Tijaniyah Islamic Organisation of Nigeria, has suspended its world conference as preventive measures against the spread of coronavirus in the country.
The organisation said this in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Malam Abdullahi Abdulwahab, in Abuja on Thursday.
It urged its members to continue their regular prayers at home, observe personal hygiene and imbibe in the act of stay alive.
“As a law abiding organisation, we suspend indefinitely our Worldwide Grand Annual Maolud Nabbiy Celebration and all other related activities in line with stay at home orders by the government at all levels.
“This decision was informed by the menacing spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in consonance of the Islamic principles of ‘preservation of life, prevention of harm, and proactive response to impending danger.
“Our organisation shall abide by government recommendations and update members of any change in the suspension decision,” the group’s spokesman said.
According to him, many of our members might find this unprecedented decision very uncomfortable but the decision is for the good of the community and it is in compliance with the Islamic response to viral diseases.
“Therefore, Dairat Jafariyat Fitorikat Tijaniyah Islamic Organisation of Nigeria under the leadership of Maolana Sheikh Abdulwahab Issa Tijani has suspendedits worldwide conference slated for April 10 and 11, 2020 at Shaki in Oyo state due to COVID-19 which has been declared as pandemic worldwide.
“It is imperative for the Missioners, National Executive Committee, board of trustees and members of society at large to be strictly adhere to the laws of the land.”This suspension of activities shall take effect immediately until further notice.
“We encourage all to continue their regular prayers at home, observe personal hygiene and be consistent with their wasifah, Adhkar and other individual prayers,” Abdulwahab said.
