MUSLIM COMMUNITY PROHIBITS FIDAU/BURIAL CEREMONY IN AWO-EKITI, VOWS TO SANCTION VIOLATORS
The Central Working Committee (CWC), Muslim Community (ADS) of Awo-Ekiti, has announced that it is prohibiting the celebration of burial, otherwise known as Fidau, starting January 1, 2025.
The development was contained in a circular issued on Friday, November 8, signed by Engr. Ibrahim Nurudeen Olutayo, PRO, Central Working Committee, ADS, Muslim community.
The circular which was directed at all Muslim Ummah of Awo-Ekiti (Home and Diaspora) and Lawful Muslim Residents (Non-Indigenes) stated that, “After careful consideration and deliberation, the critical stakeholders meeting of the Muslim community of Awo-Ekiti, held at Ansar-Ud-Deen Central Mosque, Awo-Ekiti on Friday, November 8, 2024, resolved to adopt prohibition of Fidau (burial ceremony) in all its forms, effective January 1, 2025.
It argued that “Fidau is contrary to the commandments of Allah and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The Muslim community prohibited “Sittings/gatherings for prayer/programs/entertainment/fundraising after Janazah.
”3rd-day, 8th-day, 40th-day Fidau or remembrance
”Any brand of Fidau (one year, 10th year, 25th year etc.)
However, the circular said, “Instead of Fidau ceremony, individuals may (is encouraged) to perform Sadaqah on behalf of the deceased family for developmental projects in the mosque by Donating cash to the Central Working Committee, Executing specific projects, Combining both, All other forms of good deeds that can be of benefit to the less privilege, orphans, widows and others in our community.
It went further, “Violators, including Alfas and individuals, will face Serious sanctions, Disciplinary measures, Resistance from the entire Muslim ummah of Awo-Ekiti.
“Family members or individuals contravening this rule will not receive:
“Blessings and support from the Muslim community.
“Support from the Chief Imam, Muslim chiefs, youths, and stakeholders.
“The stakeholders at the meeting where the decision was taken are but not limited to, Sheikh Imam AbdulFatai Babatunde Alimi (Chief Imam of Awo-Ekiti and Chairman Mission Board); Mr. Mudathir Bello (Chairman, ADS CWC, Muslim Community); Alhaji Hon. Muhammad Adeleye (Vice Chairman, CWC); Alhaji Hon. Sulaiman Olalekan Balogun (Balogun Adini of Awo-Ekiti); Alhaji S.I. Omole (Saraki Adini of Awo-Ekiti); Alhaja Sinatu Sulaiman (Iya Sunnah of Awo-Ekiti); Alhaja Fadhilat Omotunde Balogun (Iya Adini of Awo-Ekiti); Mr Ganiyu Taiwo Omoboriowo.
“Please and in clear terms, we are all encouraged to ensure 100% compliance with this directives and strongly discouraged/warned to desist from its violation.
“Let us admonish our family members to strictly abide by the rules/regulations as implementation/enforcement shall be 100% without waiver to anybody no matter how highly or lowly placed in the society.
“Finally, it has been decided that no personality or group no matter the status, from outside on visitation to the town will be allowed to violate the rules.
“May Allah continue to guide and protect us,”it added.
