The head caliph of the Tijaniyya order at Bansang, Sheikh Alhaji Hassan Bubacar Zaidi Jallow has urged Muslims in The Gambia to remain firm, united and perseverant in this period of coronavirus pandemic which is posing challenges to communion for the faithful, especially in the current Ramadan.
A Ramadan message issued by the caliph who also happens to be the pre-eminent jurist in the country stated: “We thank the Almighty Allah for making us witness the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan. May Allah, Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala, (The Most Glorified, The Most High), grant us the favour of completing it in good health and according to His wish. May Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala accept our fast and our devotions and dua (prayers), forgive us our sins and give us the chance again next year.
“This year Ramadan comes under difficult circumstances of the corona pandemic which is a grave threat to the health of our communities and a grave challenge to our religious practices and to our social system, with physical distancing. But our hearts remain together despite physical separation.
“We pray that Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala in this holy month protects us and ours and our communities from this scourge of corona. May Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala lift this scourge from our communities and the rest of the world and grant us the chance to be together in peace good health and in full devotion to Him. I counsel all persons to turn to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala in this difficult situation with prayer for His divine intervention for He has power over all things.
“I counsel all to be patient and comply with measures taken or advised by government no matter how inconvenient for they are for the public benefit. I counsel lastly but equally important for each and everyone of us to take necessary measures of protection for ourselves, our families, our neighbours and all those with whom we come into contact so that together we can defeat this scourge. Aaameen yaa Rahman, yaa Raheem, yaa Rabbul Aalameen.”
