The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The council also called on federal and state governments to intensify disease surveillance, contact tracing, public enlightenment and preparedness of healthcare facilities to prevent further spread of the virus.
The NSCIA made the call in a public health advisory signed by its Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, on Wednesday, following the announcement by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, on Tuesday, October 20, that a case of Ebola had been confirmed through laboratory testing in the FCT.
The council, under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, commended the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) for their efforts to contain the disease.
It urged the authorities to ensure adequate protection for healthcare workers and provide timely, accurate information to the public.
Explaining the risks associated with the disease, the NSCIA said Ebola was highly contagious and potentially fatal, with transmission occurring through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of infected persons who have developed symptoms, contaminated materials, or the bodies of people who have died from the disease.
It added that infection could also occur through contact with infected wild animals.
According to the council, symptoms may develop between two and 21 days after exposure and include fever, severe headache, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in some cases, unexplained bleeding.
The NSCIA noted that the Bundibugyo strain associated with the current outbreak had no known approved vaccine or specific curative treatment, although early medical intervention and supportive care could significantly improve survival.
It advised Nigerians to practise regular handwashing, avoid direct contact with suspected cases and their bodily fluids, and promptly report suspected infections to the appropriate health authorities through the NCDC toll-free number, 6232.
The council also urged individuals experiencing symptoms after possible exposure to avoid close contact with others and seek immediate medical guidance.
It warned against spreading unverified information or stigmatising affected individuals and their families, while encouraging the public to cooperate with health authorities on contact tracing and other containment measures.
Addressing the Muslim community, the NSCIA said the preservation of life, known in Islamic jurisprudence as Hifz al-Nafs, was one of the fundamental objectives of Islamic law.
It cited Qur’an 2:195, which cautions against actions that expose people to destruction, and recalled the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on precautions during infectious disease outbreaks.
The council consequently called on chief imams, Islamic scholars, state councils for Islamic affairs and Muslim organisations to intensify public awareness through Friday sermons, religious gatherings and community engagements.
It further advised people suspected of having the infection to refrain from attending congregational prayers pending medical assessment.
The NSCIA stressed that anyone who developed symptoms associated with a serious infectious disease should seek medical attention promptly, avoid exposing others to possible infection and comply with health professionals’ instructions on movement and treatment.
The council also pledged to mobilise its nationwide network of mosques, Islamic organisations and community leaders to support disease prevention and public health education.
It emphasised that religious faith and prayer should complement, rather than replace, appropriate medical care.
The NSCIA called on Nigerians to act responsibly and support efforts to contain the disease, while praying for the recovery of affected persons, the protection of healthcare workers and the safety of the country.