Eid-el-Kabir: FG advises against non-essential travel

As Muslims in Nigeria and other parts of the world prepare for 2020 Eid-el-Kabir festival, the federal government has advised against non-essential travel due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Federal Ministry of Information and Culture in a brief statement on Sunday, July 26, said travelling this season could pose a risk of contracting Covid-19.

“Travelling this season could put you and your loved ones at risk of contracting COVID-19,” the ministry posted on its official Facebook page.

“Stay alive and let’s celebrate Sallah safely.”

Similarly, Muslims across the country have been urged to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festival in their respective homes due to the highly-ravaging Covid-19 infection.

The Eid-l-Kabir will hold on Friday, July 31, but less than one week to go, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has cautioned against holding the Eid prayer in congregation.

The council, led by the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, noted that the pandemic is not yet over, warning people to celebrate with high caution.

In a statement by NSCIA through its deputy secretary-general, Professor Salisu Shehu, the council also said Eid is not a compulsory religious activity if doing so would undermine the fundamental purpose of the Islamic laws.

Congratulating the Muslims, NSCIA also stated that there will be three Khutbah (sermons) that will run from Thursday, July 30, to Friday, July 31.

Earlier, we reported that the Sultan of Sokoto urged the Muslims across Nigeria to look for the new moon of Dhul Hijjah 1441 AH as the celebration of Eid draws close.

The president of the NSCIA disclosed this in a statement signed by Professor Sambo Junaidu, the chairman advisory committee on Religious Affairs Sultanate Council, Sokoto.

Junaidu had noted that Tuesday, July 21, which is equivalent to 29th day of Dhul Qadah 1441, should be the day to look for the new moon of Dhul Hijjah 1441 AH.