Awo-Ekiti Muslim Community announces total ban on Fidau ceremonies, gives reasons
Effective from January 2025, the Muslim community of Awo-Ekiti, South-West Nigeria, has resolved to ban all forms of Fidau (burial ceremony) in the community.
This decision was reached after thorough deliberations by critical stakeholders at a meeting held at the Ansar-Ud-Deen Central Mosque, Awo-Ekiti, on November 8, 2024.
Citing reasons for the prohibition, the community outlined that Fidau practices are contrary to the teachings of Allah and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), urging members to adhere to religious guidelines on burial practices.
Effective January 1, 2025, the Community agreed to strictly prohibit any gatherings for prayer, entertainment, or fundraising after Janazah (funeral prayer), 3rd-day, 8th-day, 40th-day Fidau or remembrance events, all commemorative Fidau ceremonies (e.g., one year, 10th year, 25th year)
In place of Fidau ceremonies, the community encourages members to honor the deceased through Sadaqah (charitable donations) in ways that benefit the community. Other acceptable actions include cash donations to the Central Working Committee for mosque projects, direct execution of specific community projects, support for orphans, widows, and other less privileged individuals in the community.
The Community vowed that any violator, including religious leaders (Alfas) or individuals, will face strict disciplinary actions, sanctions, organized resistance from the broader Awo-Ekiti Muslim community.
The stakeholders at the meeting where the decision was taken include Sheikh Imam AbdulFatai Babatunde Alimi (Chief Imam of Awo-Ekiti and Chairman Mission Board), Mr. Mudathir Bello (Chairman, ADS CWC, Muslim Community) Alhaji Hon. Muhammad Adeleye (Vice Chairman, CWC) among several others.
“Please and in clear terms, we are all encouraged to ensure 100% compliance with this directives and strongly discouraged/warned to desist from its violation. Let us admonish our family members to strictly abide by the rules/regulations as implementation/enforcement shall be 100% without waiver to anybody no matter how highly or lowly placed in the society. Finally, it has been decided that no personality or group no matter the status, from outside on visitation to the town will be allowed to violate the rules,” the Community urged.
