NSCIA urges suspected Ebola cases to avoid congregational prayers pending medical assessment and calls for nationwide awareness.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has raised concern over the confirmation of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Nigeria, with a call on persons suspected of infection to refrain from attending congregational prayers pending medical assessment.
The organisation therefore called on Chief Imams, Islamic scholars, State Councils for Islamic Affairs and Muslim organisations to intensify awareness through Friday sermons, religious gatherings, and community engagements.
The NSCIA was reacting to the discovery of Ebola in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and announcement by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, following laboratory confirmation.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the Secretary-General of NSCIA, Prof Is-haq Oloyede, commended the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) for their efforts towards containing the disease and preventing its spread.
He said, “We urge the Federal and State Governments to intensify surveillance, contact tracing, public enlightenment and preparedness of healthcare facilities, while ensuring adequate protection for healthcare workers and timely dissemination of accurate information.
“Ebola is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease transmitted through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of infected persons who have developed symptoms, contaminated materials, or the bodies of persons who have died from the disease. Infection may also occur through contact with infected wild animals.
“Symptoms, which may develop within 2–21 days of exposure, include fever, severe headache, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and sometimes unexplained bleeding. The Bundibugyo strain associated with the current outbreak has no known approved vaccine or specific curative treatment, although early medical intervention and supportive care can significantly improve survival.
“The Council therefore urges all Nigerians to remain vigilant, practise regular handwashing, avoid direct contact with suspected cases and their bodily fluids, and promptly report suspected infections to the appropriate health authorities through the NCDC toll-free number 6232. Individuals with suspected symptoms and possible exposure should avoid close contact with others and seek immediate medical guidance. The public is also advised to cooperate with the authorities on contact tracing, refrain from spreading unverified information and avoid stigmatising affected individuals and families.
“To the Muslim Ummah, the NSCIA emphasises that the preservation of life (Hifz al-Nafs) is among the fundamental objectives of Islamic Law (Maqasidus Shari’ah). Allah says: “And do not throw yourselves with your own hands into destruction” (Qur’an 2:195). The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also taught Muslims to take precautions in the face of infectious diseases, including the well-known guidance that those within an area affected by an outbreak should not unnecessarily leave it, while those outsides should not enter it.
“Accordingly, the Council calls on Chief Imams, Islamic scholars, State Councils for Islamic Affairs and Muslim organisations to intensify awareness through Friday sermons, religious gatherings, and community engagements. Persons suspected of infection should refrain from attending congregational prayers pending medical assessment.
“Any person who develops symptoms that could be associated with a serious infectious disease should seek medical attention promptly and avoid exposing other people to possible infection.
Such a person should also follow the instructions of health professionals regarding movement and treatment.
“The NSCIA assures the Federal Government of its readiness to mobilise its nationwide network of mosques, Islamic organisations and community leaders in support of disease prevention and public health education. We urge all Nigerians to remain calm, act responsibly and recognise that faith, prayer and appropriate medical care are complementary rather than contradictory.”