Despite the hardship being faced by many Nigerians, the Muslim faithful have continued to opt for obligatory charity (Zakat) to ease sufferings of millions.
At the seventh Zakat distribution ceremony of Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation for 2022, no fewer than 79 beneficiaries received cheques and materials worth N9 million in Lagos State, as part of efforts to reduce hunger and poverty among Nigerians.
The event kick-started a chain of other distributions that would see N69.6 million distributed across five other states of the federation, including Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and Abuja.
The 2022/1433AH Zakat distribution flag-off was done in Lagos for the enhancement of the economic wellbeing of beneficiaries.
The foundation’s chairman, Mallam Adamu Bello, said it is committed to improving the precarious situation of the less privileged, by giving voice to the voiceless and hope to the hopeless victims of this harsh economy with a view to inspiring them to the path of financial independence and shared prosperity.
“The total Zakat fund being disbursed in Lagos State is N9 million. This is being distributed to over 79 beneficiaries. Prior to this day, we had already disbursed over N3.7 million to meet the medical needs of some beneficiaries recommended by our Zakat donors.
“Today, we are set to disburse an outstanding balance of N5.2million to 39 beneficiaries who are seriously in pain due to the adverse economic situation of the country that has impacted negatively on living conditions of our less privileged brothers and sisters,” he said.
Bello congratulated beneficiaries and consoled others who applied but whose requests could not be met due to insufficient Zakat funds.
“ I urge you to make the best use of the Zakat to help yourselves and your families so that you are able to raise the bar of your dignity and self-importance,” Bello said
He expressed appreciation to all Zakat payers, who have been very supportive and consistent in patronising Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation to help disburse their Zakat over the years.
“We pray Allah will continue to give them the grace to continue on this path and that many more will join them in trusting the foundation to carry out this noble objective on their behalf. We will continue to discharge our responsibility conscientiously by surpassing the expectations of our donors, Zakat payers and stakeholders.”
The foundation’s chief executive, Imam Abdullahi Shuaib, said these past six years, the foundation has been distributing Zakat in Lagos, courtesy of the payers, who reposed confidence and trust in it to do justice by distributing their Zakat with the utmost Taqwa (God-Consciousness).
“We are set to distribute two sewing machines, three industrial sewing machines, one blood pressure machine, one deep freezer and one Laserjet Mfp 137 fnw monochrome printer, while we have made direct payments to a hospital for surgical operations of two beneficiaries. Apart from medical and economic empowerment support, other thematic areas covered by the Foundation include education, accommodation, debt-relief and humanitarian support.”
He noted that Zakat, which is one of the instrumentalities of Islamic social finance, a subset of Islamic finance, is a potent tool to mitigate poverty, reduce the inequality gap in society and economically empower the poor and needy people. “Today’s event is a manifestation of the assertion that Zakat is a tool for financial inclusion and shared prosperity. As we are all witnesses at this gathering, Jaiz Foundation is walking the talk that Zakat is working and it has the potential to eradicate poverty when it is administered efficiently and effectively by Zakat professional organisations on the tripod of solidarity, collaboration and synergy. On our path, Jaiz Foundation is inspired by the commandments of Allah enshrined in the Glorious Qur’an,” he said.
