Jane Salihu
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged Muslim leaders across the country to use Friday sermons, religious gatherings and community engagements to raise awareness about Ebola prevention, following the confirmation of a case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Council’s Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, made the call in a press release dated October 21, 2026, warning Nigerians against complacency while urging the public to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative with health authorities.
Oloyede said the Council was concerned about the confirmed case and called on the Federal and State Governments to strengthen disease surveillance, contact tracing, public enlightenment and the preparedness of healthcare facilities to prevent further spread.
He 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.
The NSCIA explained that Ebola is a potentially fatal disease transmitted 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 infection. Transmission may also occur through contact with infected wild animals.
According to the Council, symptoms may appear between two and 21 days after exposure and include fever, severe headache, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in some cases, unexplained bleeding.
It noted that the Bundibugyo strain associated with the current outbreak has no known approved vaccine or specific curative treatment, stressing, however, that early medical intervention and supportive care can improve the chances of survival.
The Council advised Nigerians to maintain 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.
It also urged people experiencing symptoms after possible exposure to seek immediate medical attention, limit contact with others and comply with medical advice on movement and treatment.
The NSCIA warned against spreading unverified information or stigmatising affected individuals and their families, emphasising the need for public cooperation with health authorities, particularly during contact tracing.
Addressing the Muslim community, the Council said the preservation of life, known in Islamic jurisprudence as Hifz al-Nafs, is one of the fundamental objectives of Islamic law.
It cited Qur’an 2:195, which warns against throwing oneself into destruction, and recalled the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) guidance on precautionary measures during infectious disease outbreaks.
The Council consequently urged Chief Imams, Islamic scholars, State Councils for Islamic Affairs and Muslim organisations to intensify public health education within their communities.
It further advised individuals suspected of having an infectious disease to refrain from attending congregational prayers pending medical assessment, noting that protecting others from possible infection is consistent with the Islamic principle of preserving life.
The NSCIA reaffirmed its readiness to mobilise its nationwide network of mosques, Islamic organisations and community leaders to support disease prevention and public health education.
It stressed that faith, prayer and appropriate medical care should complement one another, urging Nigerians to remain calm and act responsibly as authorities work to contain the outbreak.
The Council prayed for the protection of the country, the recovery of those affected, the safety of healthcare workers and an end to the outbreak.
