Council says Kwara govt’s guidelines for reopening of mosques difficult

The Council of Ulama in Ilorin Emirate has reacted to the guidelines issued by the Kwara State COVID-19 Technical Committee for reopening of mosques across the state.

The resolution of the Council was stated by its Secretary, Justice Salihu Olohuntoyin Mohammed in a statement issued in Ilorin on Wednesday.

The statement urged the state government to allow Jummat mosques to remain closed to ensure proper review of the guidelines.

The statement reads in part, “Majority of stakeholders are about the age limit of 65 years listed for non-participation in prayers/jumat service. In islamic parlance, Imams are the leaders of congregations and majority of them are within the age bracket of 65 and above.

“We also observed that each of the conditions listed by the government cannot be implemented due to the fact they are very difficult to be enforce strictly. We urge the government to allow Jumat mosques to remain closed in the interim and ensure review of the guidelines urgently.”