By Calvin Quays|LPR News Contributor
In the wake of re- opening religious centers across Liberia, the Muslim Community has resisted the re-opening of mosque now when in fact; more Liberians have been affected by COVID-19 in the country.
According to the Grand Mufti of the Republic of Liberia, Sheikh Abubaker Sumaworo, the mosque should remains closed until the virus is eradicated.
He said this could prevent the further spread of the disease among population.
Sheikh Sumaworo made the disclosure Thursday May 14, 2020 at a Press Conference shortly after a meeting with Liberian Muslim Scholars held at the National Muslim Council of Liberia (NMCL) Headquarters on the Old Road suburb of Monrovia.
He noted that the government has instituted that only 25 percent of worshipers should be allowed to participate in the worship process at the mosque during the Friday prayer and 75 percent of worshipers should remain home which he described as a’ violation of the Islamic principle’.
He pointed that the Friday prayer is compulsory for every Muslim to participate in the process and if only 25 percent are allow is against their doctrine.
Sheikh Sumaworo suggested that if the mosque should be re-opened than Liberian Muslims should be able to abide by all regulations that the government has outlines to allow them to worship in the mosque.
He asserted that they should be ready to follow the health protocols accordingly such as washing of hands, using mask while praying and observing social distance of six feet from each other including every individual bringing their personal mat to pray.
He stressed that mosque was closed as the result of the outbreak of COVID-19 in the nation and the virus is still in existence in the country and therefore is no need to re-open mosque which could further intensify the spread of the disease among their members.
He explained that the Muslim scholars in Liberia refer that the mosque should be closed until the health authorities can assured Liberians that the virus is eliminated from Liberia, but they will not risk the lives of the people in the Muslim community against COVID-19.
Sheikh Sumaworo emphasized their expressed thank and appreciation to President George Weah for his concern about the health of the Liberian people and hoped that every Liberian will observe all the health protocols to curb the disease from spread around the country.
President Weah recently relaxed the ban on religious institutions, with only 25 percent of their members are allow to worship at a time beginning from May 17, 2020.
