Muslims embrace virtual lectures during Ramadan

For Muslims to deepen their faith through various religious activities during this year’s Ramadan taking place amid coronavirus pandemic, Islamic organisations have resorted to holding virtual Ramadan tafsir, in compliance with the rule of social distancing.

The exploitation of online platforms for Ramadan lectures, meetings and another necessary religious gathering hitherto done in masses, involves the use of Zoom meeting, Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Webinar, Instagram among others.

The President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, said that this year’s Ramadan is one with a difference, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, hence everyone should pray at home with their families, as Muslims cannot afford to be reckless with their lives.

He, therefore, recommended that Muslim faithful should in addition to the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, listen to Ramadan lecture through the internet and other virtual means.

He said: “Despite the challenges of physical and social distancing, Tafsir and other religious teachings could continue using various information technology (IT) platforms, such as Facebook, Skype, YouTube, Zoom, etc., to live stream preaching sessions. Reliable information and communication technology (ICT) professionals could be consulted for proper guidance.”

Numerous Islamic organisations have immediately changed their Ramdan lectures to online, a move observers feel would ensure social distancing and also reduce the cost of organizing physical gatherings.

Some of the groups include Lekki Muslim Ummah (LEMU); The Movement for Islamic Culture and Awareness (MICA); Nasrul-lahi-li Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT); The Muslim Forum of Britai; The Companion, Abesan Muslim Community; The Muslim Congress (TMC) Arahmon Zikri Organisation; Anwar-ul Islam Movement of Nigeria; Ahmadiyya Movement, among others.

LEMU is organizing Zoom meeting; while Nigerian Muslims in Britain under the group, The Muslim Forum of Britai also holds virtual Ramadan with the topic, How to become a righteous person; Parable of a city ungrateful among others.

MICA is on Zoom during Ramadan with guest speakers to discuss the topic: Don’t they reflect on the Quran; the revival of the individual among others.

Ameerah of Al-Muminat, Hajia Nimotallah Qadri said the organization will embark the online lecture during the holy month of Ramadan.” The online is part of the organization dawah duty to promote the noble value and teaching of Islam. It is part of our religious role in providing knowledge and dawah during the holy month of Ramadan. We have started the online lecture since the inception of Lockdown in the country, our aim is to encourage good deeds, and fulfil the injunction of Almighty Allah”