The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar
lll, yesterday, warned Muslims against the
consumption of monkeys and bush meat to
avoid contracting the dreaded Ebola virus.
Abubakar noted that since it was first
confirmed medically that the disease was
discovered in monkeys and fruit bats, it
would be reasonable for Muslims to steer
clear of such delicacies.
A statement on behalf of the Sultan by the
JNI’s Secretary-General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar,
said, “As confirmed by medical experts, the
disease was first discovered in monkeys
and contacted by those who eat monkeys
and other sources of bush meat. Alas, in
Islam eating of monkeys had already been
discouraged (Makruh), according to many
scholars of Islamic jurisprudence.
“Thus, we should continue to uphold this
verdict as it also serves as a preventative
measure.”
The Sultan urged Muslims to abide by all
health tips for the prevention of the disease
seriously, noting that the culture of
personal hygiene as well as proper
sanitation must always be emphasised.
He said Islam is a religion of cleanliness,
adding that as reported in a sound Hadith,
“Cleanliness is half of faith.”
“Nigeria has now joined the league of West
African nations with the deadly Ebola
outbreak. Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia
were reported as taking the lead,” the
statement said.
Nigeria has so far reported that ten
persons have been diagnosed of the deadly
virus while two have been confirmed dead.
Many other Nigerians, who had initial
contacts with the dead are being
quarantined while many others are being
given treatment by the government.