The Ansar-ud-deen Society of Nigeria has thrown its weight behind the COVID-19 vaccines, urging all Nigerians to get vaccinated.
The society hinged its position on a verse in the Holy Quran where members of the Muslim community are directed to obey Allah, his prophets and those in authority.
Popular Islamic cleric and chairman, northern states’ council missioners of the society, Sheikh Muhydeen Ajani Bello, made the position known at the society’s 26th annual Ramadan lecture organised by the Abuja branch in Abuja Saturday.
The lecture was themed: “Islamic Perspectives on Covid-19 Pandemic and Vaccination.”
Quoting from the Holy Quran to support the society’s stand, Bello said: “Obey government on COVID-19, follow them, they know what it’s going on. Allah has decreed that we follow Him, His prophets and those in authority. But if you are displeased with their (those in authority) way, return that to you God and the prophet.
“The vaccine is harmless. Yes, agreed some people have made a fortune out of it, let us still do our own beat and leave them to their conscience and their creator. If anyone disapproves of this government’s position on COVID, then such a person can’t obey God.”
Speaking further on the cause of the pandemic, the cleric said, humanity had experienced all the symptoms associated with COVID-19 before now, without any untoward consequences as witnessed now.
“All the symptoms of COVID-19 had been with us before this outbreak. Sneezing and coughing never killed us, but it is not the same today. Certainly, this is His way of calling us to other. I (God) dealt with those creatures before you who never heeded my words. Is there cure for COVID? Certainly none!”
Describing as a punishment from God, he said: “COVID-19, though from God, but it is punishment from God. It’s God’s response to the vices that have taken over the land. Our leaders are fraudsters and self-centred, no more trust, lies have taken over and we relish telling ourselves more lies and lies.
“You brought it(COVID-19) unto yourself, your conduct brought COVID, husbands not sincere with wives, the wife has refused to pray for herr husbands’ progress because he is not sincere , clerics don’t speak the truth again but only get confused upon sighting money. In all of these, Allah says you can’t go without being punished. “
Bello, who said since the outbreak and government’s announcement of the protocol, he had never hugged nor have handshake with anybody, no matter the status.
In a message to the gathering, chairman of the occasion and governor of the State of Osun, Alhaji Isiaka Oyetola, urged Nigerians not to play politics with the pandemic.
Oyetola, who said he had taken his own jab said: “As you will also observe, our President and other State governors have taken the jabs to demonstrate leadership and encourage our people to do same.
“Let me however restate here that winning the war against Coronavirus is a collective responsibility. We must, as Nigerians, regardless of our religious and political affiliations, unite to fight the virus that is threatening our lives, our economy and all we labour and stand for as a people.”
Represented by his deputy chief of staff, Alhaji Abdullahi Binuyo, the governor said: “We must see coronavirus as our common enemy; it poses a threat to our lives and livelihood. We put ourselves, our families and livelihood in jeopardy when we pander to ignorance and play politics with a life-snuffing virus.
“This isn’t the time to play politics, but to join hands with the government, both at the Federal and State levels, in the fight against COVID-19.”
The governor further implored the congregation to use “the opportunity of the Holy Month to intensify prayers for the continued peace, progress and development of Nigeria. I strongly believe that with passion, commitment, dedication and determination to do what is right at all times, and with fear of the Almighty Allah, I am optimistic that Nigeria shall rise again!”
