President Muhammadu Buhari, has on Thursday, sent his best wishes to Muslims in the country, and all over the world, as they begin this year’s 30-day fast, following the sighting of the moon.
This was made known in a statement signed by his Special Senior Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.
“I congratulate all Muslims as they commence this year’s Ramadan fast, which is depicted by self-denial, universal brotherhood, austerity, and helping relatives and needy people”, said the President.
President Buhari described the 2020 Ramadan fast as a challenge, falling in the same period of the global coronavirus pandemic, which has spread to more than 200 nations of the world, with virtually all countries advising their citizens to avoid large gatherings, and have their prayers and meals (suhoor and iftar) individually, or with family at home.
“In this Ramadan period, the kind of socialising you are used to, now risks spreading the coronavirus”, the President cautioned Muslims, while enjoining them to refrain from the regular Ramadan rituals and traditions, such as group meals and congregational prayers, that have been put on hold by Muslim religious authorities all over the world.
President Buhari, however, urged Muslims to endure, and not to use the coronavirus as an excuse not to participate in the Ramadan fast, unless such abstention is warranted by the excuses clearly outlined by health and religious authorities.
He wished Muslims in the country, and the world over, all the blessings of the holy month.