Ebola: NSCIA urges Muslims with symptoms to suspend congregational prayers

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged Muslims who develop symptoms suggestive of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) to stay away from congregational prayers pending medical assessment, following the confirmation of a case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Council also called on imams, Islamic scholars and Muslim organisations nationwide to use Friday sermons, religious gatherings and community engagements to raise awareness about the disease and prevent its spread.

The advisory, signed by the NSCIA Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, on Wednesday, stressed the importance of accurate public health information and responsible community engagement.

It followed the announcement by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, on Tuesday that an Ebola case had been laboratory-confirmed in the FCT.

The Council, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, 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 to contain the outbreak.

However, it urged federal and state governments to strengthen disease surveillance, contact tracing, public enlightenment and healthcare preparedness while ensuring adequate protection for health workers.

The NSCIA advised Nigerians to wash their hands regularly, avoid direct contact with suspected cases and their bodily fluids, and promptly report suspected infections to health authorities through the NCDC toll-free number, 6232.

It further urged anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure to seek immediate medical guidance and avoid close contact with others.

Explaining the religious basis for its advisory, the Council said the preservation of life, known as Hifz al-Nafs, is one of the fundamental objectives of Islamic law.

It cited Qur’an 2:195, which states, “And do not throw yourselves with your own hands into destruction,” noting that Islamic teachings also emphasise precaution against infectious diseases.

The Council urged Nigerians to cooperate with health authorities during contact tracing, avoid spreading unverified information and refrain from stigmatising affected individuals and their families.

It also noted that the Bundibugyo strain associated with the outbreak has no known approved vaccine or specific curative treatment, although early medical intervention and supportive care can improve survival.

Symptoms of Ebola may include fever, severe headache, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in some cases, unexplained bleeding. They can develop between two and 21 days after exposure.

The NSCIA pledged to mobilise its nationwide network of mosques, Islamic organisations and community leaders to support disease prevention and public health education.

It urged Nigerians to remain calm and act responsibly, stressing that faith, prayer and appropriate medical care were complementary rather than contradictory.