Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged all Muslim faithful to pray for the country as the Ramadan fast begins today.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the 30-day fasting commenced on Friday following the sighting of the new moon on Thursday evening.
In a series of tweets via his Twitter page on Friday, the former PDP presidential candidate also asked Muslims to adjust to the new reality as the Coronavirus pandemic continues to paralyse every aspect of the economy.
He said: “My message to Muslim Ummah on commencement of 2020 Ramadan. This has not been the best of times for us as a people and as a nation. Ditto for the global community.
“The novel coronavirus, which originated from Wuhan in China has spread to no less than 210 countries and territories as at today.
“Sadly Nigeria has not been spared this scourge. Since our first incident case in February, we have seen the figure rise to 981 with 31 deaths as at April 23, 2020. The good news, however, is that thanks to our heroic healthcare workers, 197 of the cases have recovered.”
Atiku, however, urged the Muslim faithful to continue to make a sacrifice in order to tackle the scourge of the pandemic. He also urges Muslims to be steadfast and adjust to the new reality imposed by the coronavirus disease.
Atiku said: “We’ve had to make sacrifices, and much more is required of us in the days ahead if we must defeat the scourge of this plague. Our social life has been disrupted by the lockdown of sections of our country and the practice of social distancing.
“I urge the Muslim faithful to pray for the country at this difficult moment when the #COVID19 plague has paralysed every aspect of our social lives.
“And as you commence the fasting period, one of the mandatory sacrifices required of us is to bear in mind this year’s Ramadan comes at an extraordinarily tough moment for the Muslim Ummah because of the severe restrictions the coronavirus has imposed on us.
“Against this background, I urge Muslims to be steadfast and adjust to the new reality imposed by the coronavirus disease. These challenges are a test of our faith and resilience in the face of tough times.”
Atiku also urged Muslims to be good ambassadors of Islam and continue to observe all government guidelines to curb the spread of the infection in the county.
He said: “Notwithstanding, it is pertinent upon Muslims to continue to be the good ambassadors of Islam by promoting peace, unity, tolerance, harmony and peaceful coexistence at all times.
“Above all, it is imperative that we observe all guidelines of @NCDCgov aimed at stemming the spread of the virus, much so as it is the teaching of the Noble Prophet Mohammed (SWT) during plague seasons such as this.
“I supplicate to Allah to answer our prayers and help us overcome this extraordinary challenge soonest, and put our country on the path of renewal and prosperity. #RamadanMubarak.”
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