The Coalition of Muslim Organizations Ghana (COMOG) has called on Muslims to shun evil associations, deeds and support Muslim leadership in the month of Ramadan.
The coalition advised Muslims to “use this opportunity to strengthen the connection with the Maker….and re-dedicate themselves to tolerance and unity in the Muslim leadership front.”
In a statement signed by the General Secretary of COMOG, Shahadu Mohammed said: “Let us use this opportunity to strengthen our connection with our Maker, contemplate on our lives, seek forgiveness for the past wrongs and promise never to return to such negative ways. Let us also seize this rare opportunity to spend quality and productive time with our families.”
It further called on the citizenry “to strictly adhere to the safety measures rolled out by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Information.”
Ramadan to be completely different this year – Chief Imam’s spokesperson
The Spokesperson of the National Chief Imam, Sheik Aremeyaw Shaibu has noted that this year’s Ramadan will be different due to the absence of its related devotional activities; Tarawih, Isah Qadr and Tafsir.
“Any gathering that will bring the risk of further spread is going to be suspended…Let’s pray that we are able to tame the COVID-19 virus before we will be able to celebrate [Eid al-Fitr] in a congregation but if it continues I can foresee that we are unable to celebrate publicly per the tradition of Islam”.
Below is the full press release from COMOG
COMOG 2020 RAMADAN MESSAGE
In the name of Allah the most Gracious most Merciful.
Ladies and gentlemen of the press the Coalition of Muslim Organizations, Ghana (COMOG) greets all with the solemn Islamic greetings of peace and asking Allah’s mercy and blessings upon all.
Alhamdulillah Alhamdulillah Alhamdulillah, Ramadan, the season of Mercy is upon us again. It is a season of forgiveness, personal reflection and spiritual rejuvenation. It is a blessed opportunity for us to rid ourselves from negative addiction and harmful practices that have bedeviled us for the past year(s).
This year’s Ramadan is quite unique, as we are not in normal times. Though the usual community practices and celebrations associated with this blessed month will be nonexistent, the significance of the month and its virtues remain the same.
Let us use this opportunity to strengthen our connection with our Maker, contemplate on our lives, seek forgiveness for the past wrongs and promise never to return to such negative ways. Let us also seize this rare opportunity to spend quality and productive time with our families. Let us engage in much Zikr (Remembrance) of Allah and beseech Allah’s Rahma upon Humanity, to lift this COVID19 pandemic from us, for indeed none but Allah can save us from this Fitnah (trial). Let us also remember to share what we have of food and provisions with the poor and destitute, who must be facing more hardships in the face of COVID 19.
We would like to commend Government, the Health workers, Security Agencies, State Agencies, the Private Sector, the Media and those working behind the scenes, for the tireless efforts and support systems put in place to help control this Pandemic.
We urge fellow citizens to strictly adhere to the safety measures rolled out by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Information which include;
Wearing of nose masks, observing social distancing, ban on public gatherings, applying alcohol based hand sanitizer, washing hands with soap under running water and most importantly staying home.
These are Indeed trying times which shall pass soon In sha Allah.
Allah swt says in the Holy Quran,3:140-141;
If an adversity has afflicted you, an adversity like it has also afflicted the (unbelieving) people; and We bring these days to men by turns, and that Allah may know those who believe and take witnesses from among you; and Allah does not love the unjust.
And that He may purge those who believe and deprive the unbelievers of blessings.
COMOG further calls on Muslims to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the Ramadan to re-dedicate themselves to tolerance and unity in the Muslim leadership front. In particular, COMOG entreats all stakeholders in the Muslim leadership front to double their efforts towards making the Muslim leadership framework adopted in the recent conference held on 21st to 23rd February 2020, a reality before events overtake the Muslim Ummah and the nation as a whole.
Finally, COMOG calls on the entire nation to use the opportunity offered by the Ramadan period to pray fervently for divine guidance for the leadership of the country, the prosperity as well as maintenance and enhancement of the existing peace and stability of our country, especially in the impending elections to choose leaders for the running of the affairs of our country.
Ramadan Kareem, May Allah accept from us all.
……..………………………
SHAHADU MOHAMMED
GENERAL SECRETARY
COALITION OF MUSLIM
ORGANISATIONS, GHANA (COMOG)