The Al-Habibiyyah Zakat and Endowment Foundation has distributed N15 million worth of sewing machines, grinding machines, freezers, and cash for business start-ups to 90 recipients, including Christian and Muslim faithful as zakat on Saturday in Abuja.
The initiative, in commemoration of 4th National Zakat Day and Public Zakat Disbursement, aims to bridge inequality gaps and eradicate poverty within the society.
The chief missioner and Imam of the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Imam Fuad Adeyemi, stated that zakat serves as a means to alleviate poverty and purify wealth.
He noted that zakat possesses the potential to completely eliminate poverty and transform the status of individuals across the country, emphasising that over the years, many Muslims have not fulfilled their zakat obligations correctly.
“Zakat, being one of the pillars of Islam, if executed properly, can make the entire country, not just Muslims alone, prosperous. It can change the status of everyone in this country, but people are not paying their zakat as they ought to.
“In Islam, once you collect zakat in a year, you are not entitled to it again except in the event of natural disasters. That is why I always remind people that you cannot simply give someone N20,000 and assume you have fulfilled your zakat obligations.
“Zakat is often distributed incorrectly by Muslims in Nigeria. It is not merely a matter of asking people to line up and hand them N10,000 each, thinking that you have paid zakat. If the same individuals come every year to collect, that is not zakat; you are merely offering sadakat.
“Zakat has its own technicalities and ways of being administered, and these are the principles we have established, striving to be as transparent as possible,” Imam Adeyemi said.
LEADERSHIP reports that zakat, a compulsory charity or alms for the needy, is intended for those who meet a designated threshold in money and other forms of wealth over one full lunar calendar year.
“This year, we are distributing N15 million worth of items and cash for educational support, business start-ups, and other initiatives in the Kpadoma community here in Abuja,” Adeyemi added.
One of the recipients, Priscilla John, expressed her gratitude to the Al-Habibiyyah Foundation, stating that she was initially sceptical about her selection as one of the beneficiaries of this year’s zakat from the Foundation.
“I’m very excited because I was sceptical when I was informed about it, but coming here and seeing the sewing machine, I feel very happy.
“I want to emphasise that when it comes to helping humanity, there should be no form of discrimination, as there are people out there who care about others regardless of their religion, region, or tribe. We should be open and willing to assist anyone at any time. This machine will help me achieve my dream of becoming a fashion designer,” Priscilla said.
Representatives of the Kpadoma Muslim Community, Malam Bala Isah, urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the items to support their families and assist other members of the community.
“It is a very good gesture, and we are immensely grateful to the Al-Habibiyyah Zakat and Endowment Foundation because it will enable many of us in this community to prosper. I advise the beneficiaries to utilise the items given to them to support their immediate families and assist other members of the community,” Malam Isah stated.
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