By Dele Moses, Ilorin
Council of Ulamas of the Ilorin Emirate has said it would find it difficult to reopen mosques for jumat services in the Emirate owing to the conditions given by the Kwara State government for the reopening of worship centres which includes that persons above 65 years of age should stay away from the services
The Council which made its position known shortly after the state government directed reopening of the worship centres on the condition that certain guidelines are met urged the government to allow jumat mosque remain closed until a review of the guidelines.
The government had, among many other conditions given for reopening of the centres, asked that children and persons above 65 years of age should not go for services at the centres.
But, the Council of Ulamas, in a statement signed by its secretary, Justice Salihu Oloruntoyin Mohammed (rtd), said the conditions, owing to peculiarities of the Emirate, will be difficult to meet.
The Council explained that the Imams in most of their mosques who lead the jumat prayers are persons of over 65 years of age.
“The conditions released by the state government are very difficult to adhere to based on our peculiarities.”
“Majority of stakeholders are about the age limit of 65 years listed for non-participation in prayers/jumat service. In Islamic parlance, Imams are the leaders of congregations and majority of them are within the age bracket of 65 and above.
“We also observed that each of the conditions listed by the government cannot be implemented due to the fact they are very difficult to be enforced strictly. We urge the government to allow jumat mosques to remain closed in the interim and ensure review of the guidelines.”
The council maintained that the actions are taken in line with the safety protocols of the Federal Government and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, (NCDC) and advised worshipers to remain law abiding.
