The [Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigerian_Supreme_Council_for_Islamic_Affairs), under the leadership of the [Sultan of Sokoto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultan_of_Sokoto), has asked Muslims who may be infected with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) to refrain from attending congregational prayers until they receive a medical assessment, after a laboratory‑confirmed case was reported in the Federal Capital Territory.
Key points:
- The case was announced on Wednesday by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, after laboratory confirmation.
- NSCIA Secretary‑General Prof. Is‑haq Oloyede praised the Federal Government, the Ministry of Health, and the [Nigeria Centre for Disease Control](https://ncdc.gov.ng/) for swift containment actions.
- He urged both federal and state authorities to boost surveillance, contact tracing, public enlightenment, and health‑facility preparedness, while safeguarding health workers.
- The Council highlighted Ebola’s high contagion risk, describing transmission through direct contact with blood, body fluids, contaminated objects, or the bodies of deceased patients, and also via infected wildlife.
- Symptoms may appear 2–21 days after exposure and include fever, severe headache, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and occasional unexplained bleeding. The current Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or specific cure, though early supportive care improves survival.
- The public is advised to practice regular hand‑washing, avoid contact with suspected cases, and report concerns to the NCDC toll‑free line 6232.
What did the NSCIA recommend for the Muslim community?
The council called on Chief Imams, Islamic scholars, State Councils for Islamic Affairs and Muslim organisations to intensify awareness through Friday sermons, religious gatherings and community outreach. Anyone suspected of infection should stay away from congregational prayers until cleared by health professionals.
How should individuals with possible Ebola symptoms act?
People showing any related symptoms or who suspect exposure must seek immediate medical attention, limit contact with others, and follow health‑official instructions regarding movement and treatment. Cooperation with contact‑tracing efforts and avoidance of unverified rumors are also stressed.
Why is the guidance rooted in Islamic teaching?
The NSCIA cited the principle of preserving life (Hifz al‑Nafs) as a core objective of Islamic law, referencing Qur’an 2:195 and the Prophet’s advice that those in an outbreak zone should not leave it unnecessarily, while outsiders should not enter.
The council affirmed its readiness to mobilise its nationwide network of mosques, Islamic organisations and community leaders to support disease prevention and public‑health education, urging Nigerians to stay calm, act responsibly and recognise that faith and medical care complement each other.