Gloomy Ramadan in Nigeria, Mosque closed and Durbar Festival canceled

Regional quarantine in the State of Kano, Nigeria, makes things bleak. The mosque is closed and the festival marks the end of Ramadan may be canceled.
 Gloomy Ramadan in Nigeria, Mosque closed and Durbar Festival canceled

When the dawn call to prayer echoed through the speakers of the mosques, residents chose to offer prayers at home. As Al Jazeera reports, residents who live a few meters from the mosque choose to pray five times at home.

The decision of citizens to carry out religious obligations at home, in line with strict measures imposed in the state of Kano, to reduce the spread of the corona virus pandemic.

"This Ramadan is clearly different from the previous one. We can't go to the mosque anymore, we can't break the fast with friends, giving gifts to those in need. We are locked in the house, almost like prisoners, but we must obey the direction of the government, "Ismaila Alhassan told Al Jazeera.

"We pray for God's intervention because the virus pandemic must end soon so that we can live normally and move freely," he said, Monday, May 11, 2020.

Kano, a commercial center of northern Nigeria with an estimated population of around 13 million, was locked up by President Muhammadu Buhari on April 27 after "unexplained deaths" of 640 people in two weeks.

Regarding the sudden death of hundreds of people, it was obtained from local reports quoting grave diggers in Kano. They say they have buried large numbers of bodies in recent weeks, which has sparked fears among residents.

The state government denied claims that the deaths were related to the corona virus pandemic, while the federal government sent a fact-finding team to Kano to investigate "rapid increases in deaths", when the authorities imposed territorial quarantine or lockdown.

Under the action, schools, mosques and offices were closed while public meetings were banned. And residents are ordered to remain in their homes.

On May 2, Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje announced easing for two days a week, every Monday and Thursday from 10:00 to 16:00, "To allow people to go out and make purchases".

However, places of worship in Muslim-majority cities remain closed. Islamic scholar Umar Bawa told Al Jazeera that this was not well received by some worshipers during the month of Ramadan.

"So many complaints, especially with the removal of the lock on several days," he said, adding that some worshipers asked him, "Why not open the mosque for only 30 minutes for Friday prayers?"

However, Bawa said he, like others, obeyed orders to remain at home, so as not to endanger public health.

Saving a Gift
Ramadan is a period when Muslims are encouraged to help those who are less fortunate, with donations and charitable work - but this year is a difficult task.

"People used this opportunity to give alms but now they are afraid," said Rabiu Bashir, a 23-year-old banker in Kano. "There are no communal relations and exchanges as before," he told Al Jazeera. "Lockdown has made everything bleak."

However, easing the two-day restriction has opened a window for residents to raise alms for those in need, "Gifts and donations are collected on the days when the lockdown is revoked," Bawa said.

The tradition of Kano saban Ramadan residents is to hold the Durbar Festival, which marks the end of Ramadan. The festival is one of the most colorful cultural events in Nigeria, which attracts hundreds of thousands of people.

This year's event, however, might not occur because of the corona virus containment action - less than two weeks before starting, preparations have not yet begun.

"Much will be missed about Durbar - from the luxurious appearance to the large number of people," Bashir said. "It's one of the things that makes Eid celebration in Kano special."

The festival is usually overseen by influential amir Kano, who is seen as Nigeria's second most senior Islamic ruler. On March 11, Aminu Ado Bayero was appointed as the new traditional ruler, following the removal of former Emir Lamido Sanusi. The succession came after a debate with the state government.

"I'm sure many people will want to see how the new emir will do the Durbar himself, which is something that has to wait longer to be seen," Bashir said.

To date, Nigeria has registered 4,787 confirmed cases of corona virus and 158 deaths from corona virus infection.

Lagos remains the center of the virus in the country, with 1,990 registered cases, while the state of Kano has the second highest number, with 693 infections. Without any signs of easing, Kano residents are preparing to celebrate a different Eid al-Fitr this year.

"The only thing we have in mind is dressing up, taking photos, eating and spending time as a family," Bashir said, referring to his family's planned celebration.

Despite facing obstacles this year, Alhassan believes Kano will "rise again to normal life again".

"This is only a temporary setback," he said. "We will soon gather again to pray at the mosque, share food, visit family and hold another Durbar next year, God willing," he said.

Source: tempo

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