Imam BaKawsu Saidykhan, who was arrested and detained by Police in Mansakonko over Friday prayers, said his decision to lead prayers was based on advice from the elders Kani Kunda and has nothing to do with what government.
The Jarra Kani Kunda Imam was arrested last Friday for defying government’s ban on the performance of congregational prayers including public gathering not to be more than ten people.
According to him, the decision to arrest them came as a big surprise because they were not given any prior warning before the arrest.
He said shortly after the prayers a group of paramilitary officers appeared before them and asked whether they performed Friday prayers which he responded in positive
“They then told us that we should board their vehicle and answer to the commissioner, all the elders want to go but eventually only I and seven other elders were taken to Soma Police Station. We spend lot of time at Soma Police Station before they finally take us to Mansakonko to meet the Police Commissioner who authorized the taking of our statement,” he narrated
He said his statement to the Police is centred on the decision to lead the prayers based on the advice of the elders, disclosing that Kani Kunda is a highly respected religious community that many others looks up to in Jarra and beyond and cannot afford to suspend Friday prayers.
“I don’t know for other countries but as far as our case is concern we don’t have that situation that will warrant the closure of Mosques. We have four cases, one died, two have already been cured and the other under treatment, they released sixty three people then where the threat that will warrant the closure of Mosque,” he pointed out.
He urged government not to close Mosque but rather train Imams and Mosque committees on the preventive methods and guidelines that will ensure that all are safe while in Mosque.
If markets are left open, fully loaded to sizes left unchecked, garages open for full day why the congregational prayers that usually last not more than fifteen minutes cannot be held.
For me I see no reason in closing the Mosque when other public gatherings are left to operate,” Imam Saidykhan noted.
He also said his Friday preaching on that day was centred on how Muslims can prevent themselves during the periods of pandemic in line with the teachings of the Holy Pophet Muhammed (SAW).
