Suspension of congregational prayers is for our collective good - Vice President Bawumia

The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has told Muslim leaders that the suspension of all religious gathering by the government is for the collective good of all citizens.

Following President Akufo-Addo's meeting with Christian leadership on Thursday, the Vice held a similar breakfast prayer meeting with Muslim leaders, led by the National Chief Imam.

Explaining the rationale behind the temporary suspension of religious gatherings in churches and mosques, the Vice President said the government had to take the "drastic, but necessary measure" to help contain the spread of the virus.

"One of the most striking government directives was the suspension of religious activities in churches and mosques," Dr. Bawumia said.

"For us as Muslims, it means our daily congregational prayers and weekly Jummat prayers would have to be on hold as the nation battles the spread of the dangerous virus."

"The decision to suspend services in churches and mosques, was drastic, but a necessary measure to safeguard our health so that we can get back stronger and worship our Lord, in shaa Allah."

Dr. Bawumia also noted that in view of the circumstances the country finds itself in due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus, the suspension is also in agreement with Islamic principles because Islam is a flexible religion which allows for such measures for the good of humanity.

"As you already know, Eminent Imams, this decision, and the advice to restrict movements under the difficult situation we find ourselves in, are all well grounded in Islamic principles," said the Vice President.

"Even before the advent of science, our beloved Messenger of Allah, Muhammed S.A.W. is quoted to have said in Hadith that:"if you hear of an outbreak of a plague in a land, do not enter it. But if the plague breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place."

"This profound statement, made many centuries ago by the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. is what our scientists and health professionals have advised us to do now in the midst of the outbreak of this global pandemic.

So far, Muslim leaders in the country have cooperated with the government's directives and the Vice President expressed the government's appreciation to the National Chief Imam and the Imams.

"Just a day after the President's directive, the National Chief Imam held a press conference and urged Ghanaian Muslims to strictly adhere to the government's directive.

"Also, the National Chief Imam, in conjunction with leadership of the various Islamic sects in the country, have issued a press release suspending all congregational prayers, including Jummat until further notice.

"Your Eminence, the President and the government sincerely appreciate the cooperation of the Muslim leadership towards our collective effort to protect our country and citizens from the deadly threat of Covid-19."