A Muslim cleric in Ilorin, Kwara State, has called on Islamic faithfuls to stop blocking the road during prayers.
While delivering a sermon on Friday, the cleric mentioned that the blocking of roads during prayers by worshippers is inimical to the safety of the public.
Mentioning that Muslim worshippers do not have the right to block the road while praying, the cleric mentioned that the public has the right to ply the road even during Islamic prayer hours.
His comments come amid the prevalent blocking of roads by religious worshippers during worship periods.
A resident of Jos, Plateau State, lamented to our correspondent over the continuous blocking of roads along the Masalanchi Juma’a axis of the state during prayer hours on Friday.
“It is sad that people impede movement and discomfort road users simply because they want to pray to their maker,” he said on the condition of anonymity.
“The situation is widespread all over the country; it has to be stopped,” he added.
Speaking on the situation in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, the cleric said, “We have to be very careful. People have the right. I keep saying it. We do not have the right as Muslims to block the road because we want to pray. We do not have the right.
“People have the right of passage. They have the right to use the roads.”
He added that if the mosque is not spacious enough to accommodate everybody, some worshippers should worship elsewhere.
“If your mosque cannot accommodate many people, those it can accommodate should stay, and the others should go elsewhere.
“How would we say we are Muslims and we are causing harm to our neighbours? Love one another.
“Why will you be blocking roads because you want to pray?” he quarried.
Urging defaulters to repent, he mentioned that the blocking of roads can lead to the death of people being rushed to the hospital.
“Even if it is for five minutes, somebody can lose his life for those five minutes.
“Somebody is sick that needs to be rushed to the hospital, but you block the road. Tell me why that person will not die.
“Whoever is doing it should go and repent because it is a very bad thing,” he added.
