COVID-19: NASFAT Kaduna Trains Members On Strategic Messages Of Hope, Intervention
Zainab Tanimu
Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria
Over 20 members of Natrul-Lahi- L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) Kaduna Branch have been trained on strategic ways of disseminating messages of hope and intervention with regards to the COVID-19 disease.
The training which took place at NASFAT Village’s Media Center Conference hall had in attendance members of the Missionary board.
The facilitators, the Zonal Chief Missionary/Chief Imam NASFAT Kaduna Branch, Imam Marooph Muh’d Raji, and NASFAT Kaduna Branch Vice Chairman, Alhaji AbdulAkeem Adeniji both tasked participants to live up to expectations in the task ahead of them.
Allah has not created any ailment without creating a cure for it. They said.
Imam Marooph explained that NASFAT Society as a faith -based organization has through its Dawa’h programme been reaching out to people with food and messages of hope during times of needs as such joining the COVID-19 awareness train in the fight against the pandemic the society welcomes as an act of Ibadah.
He tasked the COVID-19 influencers to exhibit caution in their new tasks by being good ambassadors of NASFAT.
Delivering his lecture, Alhaji AbdulAkeem Adeniji listed six critical areas of focus.
As Muslims leaders charged with the responsibilities of sharing preventive messages of hope and intervention to stop the spread of the disease, he encouraged that such messages revolve round life itself, saying, life is a gift from Allah which we must appreciate, protect and care for.
He said COVID-19 is real and that one can have real hope in the face of it once one follows the laid down precautionary measures of regular hand washing, wearing of facemasks, avoiding large gatherings, covering of mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing and observing social distancing.
The precautionary measure of social distancing he explained has been in existence right from the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammed SAW which he supported with the words of the holy Prophet (SAW) himself.
Stressing, he said.
“”We can have real hope in the face of COVID-19. Most cases of COVID-19 are mild, most people who contract it recover and everybody can contribute towards preventing new cases by observing the precautionary measures.”
“As faith-based organization, we are charged with the responsibility of being our brothers keepers in times of needs.
There is need to remain connected with others and loved ones at this trying period as this will give them hope.
Being connected could be through phones, using digital and virtual options. He stated.
“Let’s organize ways for community members to reach out to those who live alone or may be in need of food, water or other supplies.
“Also, victims of COVID-19 should not be abandoned. Our encouraging words will keep them going Let’s continue giving them messages of hope.
Adeniji charged participants to exhibit commitments in order to be successful in reaching out to the people with their messages of hope and intervention.
However, he cautioned that in as much as we are out to assist, encourage and connect with people, there is need to observe all COVID-19 precautionary measures.
He appreciated the efforts of individuals and health workers in the face of various challenges.
“As faith community, we welcome the efforts of health workers and other Frontline workers who sacrificed their lives in the course of saving other people’s lives.
We empathize with those who are ill and do not stigmatize against them.
We members of the Ummah stand strong for health. We care and pray for all vulnerable groups in our community.”
Emphasizing further on the efficacy of prayers in the fight against COVID-19,
lmam Marooph tasked participants to remain prayerful. Not for themselves alone but the generality of the people. There is need to pray and care for others. Prayer encompasses everything. He said.
“We need to care for ourselves. When we care for ourselves and others, we are caring for our tomorrow. For whatever one posses, it is for Allah. No one owns anything.
“As faith leaders, we should be able to encourage and give hope to a COVID-19 patient. Preach the word of God”.
Imam Marooph injoined the COVID-19 influencers to exhibit caution in their new tasks by being good ambassadors of NASFAT.
“As a role model, whatever you speak will be taking seriously so be mindful of what you say in order not to be misquoted.
Advising the participants, he emphasized on being guided by the 6 emphatic strategies of message dissemination which evolves round Life, Hope, Connection, Caring, Appreciation, Influence and that of Being a Positive Role Model.
“As a role model, whatever you speak will be taking seriously so be mindful of what you say in order not to be misquoted. He warned.
As Influencers disseminating COVID-19 messages of hope, let’s lead from the front as we connect, care and appreciate one another.”
Imam Marooph represented NASFAT at the just concluded COVID-19 training organized in Kaduna by Interfaith Action Organization and the outcome is the step-down training organized in NASFAT Kaduna.
“On the directive of NASFAT President Worldwide l was chosen to attend a training organized by Interfaith Action Organization supported by Center For Disease Control (CDC) and CARITAS Nigeria.
This is the step down of the training which l attended here in Kaduna with one of my lmams.
As to whether he will have a step down for the clergy and religious leaders, his answer is in the affirmative.
According to him,
“Awareness is very important to correct a lot of impressions and to curtail the spread of this disease. People are not property informed of COVID-19 disease. That is the essence of training the clergy and religious leaders to get people informed. To tell people about life, hope, caring, role modelling even prayers with regards to the spread of COVID-19.”
