The Chief Imam of Markaz Al-Adaby Mosque in Olunlade, Kwara, Mallam Abdulrauf Bello, has admonished Muslims to use money already earmarked for 2020 Umrah (lesser Hajj) to feed vulnerable persons in the society.
Bello gave the advice while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Ilorin.
He said since the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic had deprived Muslims of going for Umrah, they should rechannelled such fund to feed the less privileged in the society.
He said the reward hoping to be gotten while performing Umrah would be equally be received while feeding people, especially in the month of Ramadan.
“There are people that are used to going for lesser Hajj during Ramadan, but with this pandemic, they have been forced to stay back at home.
“So, whatever amount they have earmarked for Umrah can be used to buy foodstuffs and share to people who will in turn pray for them.
“The kind of reward they want to get while performing Umrah may even be doubled with the kind of prayers the less privileged will shower on them,” Bello said.
He also enjoined the faithful to use the holy month of Ramadan to increase their supplications to God to bring an end to the pandemic that had altered normal lives.
Bello added that this should also be a period of sober reflection for all to desist from Haram (forbidden) acts and/or things.
‘This virus has shown us once again that Allah is the all-in-all and that it is only whatever He decrees that comes to pass.
“Who would have thought that an unseen thing can make us stop congregational prayers that Allah cherishes most and that we will have Ramadan without Tafsir, Taraweeh and Tahajud?
“But Allah knows best. So, it is better for us to use this opportunity to move closer to Allah,” he said.