Morocco: Islamic Council commiserates with earthquake victims

The PUNCH earlier reported that a powerful earthquake shook Morocco, sending terrified residents fleeing their homes in the middle of the night.

The 6.8-magnitude quake struck a mountainous area 72 kilometres (45 miles) southwest of tourist hotspot Marrakesh at 11:11 pm (2211 GMT) Friday, the US Geological Survey reported.

In a statement by the council’s Deputy Secretary-General, Prof. Salisu Shehu, on Tuesday, titled ‘Pray for Morocco’, and made available to The PUNCH, the council, under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, noted that the council was devastated by the tragic incident.

It also commiserated with Morocco’s King, Sidi Mohammed VI.

“On behalf of the entire Muslim Ummah in Nigeria, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs – under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni. – commiserates with His Majesty, King Sidi Mohammed VI, the Head of State of the Kingdom of Morocco over the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the High Atlas Mountain range on Friday, 8th September 2023.

“The Council is devastated by this tremendous calamity and tragedy which has so far claimed over 2,000 lives and left several hundred injured. The Council sincerely shares with you the pain, the sorrow and the grief you are going through in this very trying moment”, the statement read in part.

While praying for the repose of the souls of the dead, the council wished the injured speedy recovery and the fortitude to bear their losses.

It said, “The Council prays for the repose of the souls that have departed, quick recovery of the wounded and injured and the fortitude to bear the monumental losses. May Allah shower His infinite mercy and forgiveness on all the dead and may He imbue in you patience and perseverance to survive this tragedy and come out of it with greater strength.”

Also, the council urged Imams in Nigeria to ensure they dedicate their Jumat sermon on Friday to the unfortunate incident, while they call on all Muslims to pray for their fellow Muslims in Morocco as they grieve.

“The Council enjoins all Jumu’ah Imams in Nigeria to dedicate their Friday sermons this week to the Morocco calamity and to call on the Muslim Ummah to pray for our brothers and sisters that Allah forgive those who have departed and ease the affairs of the survivors and the entire people of the Republic of Morocco.

“The Council calls on Nigerians in particular and the world, in general, to come to the aid of and extend helping hands in diverse ways to Morocco at this critical period.”