There is disagreement between Sultan of Sokoto and some state governors in the north about how Eid-el-Fitr prayers should be held at weekends.
Sultan Sa'ad Abubakar, President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has issued a directive that Muslims should observe the prayers at home as part of their compliance with the COVID-19 protocols and prevent the spread of the virus.
But some of the north governors eased the lockdown to allow Muslims to perform congregational prayers.
Earlier in the week Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje announced that Muslims would be allowed to observe Friday Jumat Eid prayers.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed announced on Wednesday that Eid prayers would be allowed in the state and participants should observe social distance and wearing face-masks
Other states have also opened mosques, such as Yobe, Jigawa, Gombe, Borno and Zamfara.
In a statement on Wednesday, NSCIA Deputy Secretary-General, Prof. Salisu Shehu, “as the month of Ramadan is gradually coming back to an end and Eid-el-fitr is approaching, it is crucial to reiterate that every traditional has become abnormal, including social gathering and massive congregational prayers.
“Therefore Muslims are to perform their Eid prayers while still taking necessary safety measures, regarding compulsory face masks and social distancing.
"It is even advisable to avoid massive gatherings in such places at one Eid ground in a large town must be avoided. Instead, the Eid should be carried out in area-Mosques to avoid unmanageable crowds.
"Nevertheless, in places where the ban on large congregational prayers and socio-religious gatherings is still in force, Muslims should abide by the law while appreciating that intentions supersede actions.
Eld-Fitri means the one-month Ramadan fasting is over. The prayers are likely to be held on Saturday or Sunday depending upon the sighting of the Shawwal month.
What are your reactions to this fellow Muslims brothers and sisters?
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