National Chief Imam urges Muslims to adhere to ban on religious gathering during Ramadan

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu has reminded Muslims in the country to adhere to the ban on congregational prayers in the month-long fast of Ramadan.

Following the outbreak of the Coronavirus, the country has been observing a ban on religious gathering, including congregational prayers at mosques by Muslims for the past one month.

With the month of Ramadan deemed as a special month of devotion, which brings together large number of Muslims to pray together, Sheikh Sharubutu has reminded Muslims the need to continue to observe the ban during the holy month.

“Congregational prayer is something essential in our religion but there can arise a sitiation or circumstance where you cannot do what is permissible,” Sheikh Sharubutu said on Thursday when Vice President Bawumia called on him on his 101st birthday anniversary at his residence.

“We have bot been restrained from praying. We have only been restrained from assembling because that is one of the means through which the disease is spread so it is for our own good that such restraints have been imposed on us.”

“Therefore, I urge and entreat all members of the Muslim community to obey this simple directives (ban on congregational prayers and observing social distancing.)

The Chief Imam added that the imposition of the ban is not a punishment, adding that it is important for all to respect it because the measures are in the collective good of everyone.

“Let us endeavour to abide by the rules and the directives which are for our own good so that we dont expose ourselves to the risks of contracting and transmitting the virus.”

Sheikh Sharubutu also reminded Muslims to pray for Ghana during this difficult moment.

“As we pray at our various homes, let us remember and pray fervently to God to save our country and the world from this affliction.”