National Chief Imam urges Muslims to observe national day of fasting tomorrow

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has urged Ghanaian Muslims to fast tomorrow in support of the National Day of Fasting and Prayer.

The National Chief Imam has also urged Muslims to go an extra mile by fasting again on Thursday in line with Prophet Muhammad’s tradition of fasting on Thursdays.

President Akufo-Addo, after announcing government’s latest measures to stop the spread of the deadly Coronavirus on Sunday, declared Wednesday March 25, 2020 as a National Day of Fasting and Prayer, and urged Muslims and Christians to fast and pray to God for a divine intervention to curb the spread of the deadly COVID-19. .

In a press statement issued today, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu rallied support for the President’s special fasting call and urged all Muslims to join.

“The National Chief Imam Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu wishes to draw the attention of all followers of the Islamic faith in Ghana that the President of the Republic of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo has declared Wednesday March 25th 2020 as National day of fasting and prayer,” said the statement.

“Accordingly Muslims of all sects are entreated to support the presidential call.”

Beyond tomorrow’s special national fasting, the National Chief Imam has further urged Muslims to observe another fast on Thursday March 26.

The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) used to fast on Thursdays, and the Chief Imam said Thursday’s special fast will be in line with the tradition of the Prophet, as the nation takes steps and also prays to God for a solution to the pandemic.

“Additionally the National Chief Imam would like to entreat Muslims of all denominations to fast on Thursday 26th March 2020 in line with the Sunna of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W),” the statement added.

“It is important to note that the fasting to be embarked upon on those two days is intended to enhance our collective spiritual struggle to win the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 popularly known as Coronavirus.”

“It is our hope that all will cooperate.”

Ghana has so far recorded 27 confirmed Coronavirus cases and two deaths.

Among measures the government has taken to curb the spread of the virus are; closure of schools at all levels, ban on religious activities in mosques and churches, public information and education, as well as closure of all of Ghana’s ports of entry.