Anonymous donor distributes N12m ‘Zakat’ to 80 needy in Ibadan

By Suleiman Shehu

No fewer than 80 indigent residents in Ibadan on Tuesday benefited from a N12 million Zakat distribution by an anonymous philanthropist.

Zakat, Islam’s third pillar of faith, requires wealthy Muslims to donate 2.5 per cent of qualifying assets annually to support the needy.

Coordinator of the distribution, Alhaji Ismaila Saka, said beneficiaries included widows, students and other vulnerable residents identified through various Islamic organisations in Ibadan.

Each beneficiary received N150,000 to ease hardship amid prevailing economic challenges.

“Many Nigerians are facing severe economic hardship and need support,” he said.

He added that failure by some wealthy Muslims to pay Zakat had contributed to rising poverty within society.

“We urge affluent Muslims to emulate this donor, who faithfully gives Zakat annually in obedience to Allah’s command.

“The more one gives in charity, the more Allah replenishes and blesses the wealth,” he said.

Saka encouraged Muslims to assist the poor in spite of economic difficulties, noting that such generosity could help lift many people from extreme poverty.

“If more people follow this practice, poverty will be reduced to the barest minimum,” he said.

He also prayed for Allah’s protection and blessings for the anonymous donor and his family.

Chairman of the occasion, Mr Waheed Bello, urged beneficiaries to use the money wisely and avoid wasteful or immoral spending.

“Though the amount may seem small in today’s economy, prudent use can meet essential needs,” Bello said.

He advised recipients to invest the money in small businesses rather than spend it on unproductive activities.

In his lecture, Sheikh Fadlu Rahman explained that Zakat purifies wealth and helps reduce poverty among Muslims.

Rahman encouraged beneficiaries to work diligently so they could become Zakat givers in the future.

(NAN)