The Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation has allocated N15 million to assist 165 underprivileged individuals in Lagos.
Dr. Abdullahi Shuaib, the foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, noted that the recipients come from various sectors, including education, health, economic empowerment, and welfare.
This marks the 9th occasion of zakat distribution by the foundation, with the recent event taking place at Beleke Smith Memorial Mosque in Surulere on Tuesday. Dr. Shuaib commended Zakat contributors for their consistent backing and donations over time, while also urging affluent individuals to follow suit.
He stated, “Today, 165 underprivileged individuals will receive checks and tools totaling N15 million for economic empowerment, healthcare, livelihood improvement, educational support, and more.
“The sum of N6.4 million was earmarked for the economic empowerment category comprising 32 beneficiaries. Similarly, while the sum of N4.5 million went for education support, N2.8 million was awarded for humanitarian support. 6 beneficiaries shared the sum of N1.7 million in the health category.
“We ask Allah to continue to bless the zakat payers’ wealth, families and enterprises as they continue to support the cause of Allah and humanity.”
Sheikh Imran Abdulmajeed Eleha, the guest speaker, advised recipients of zakat disbursement to avoid misusing the assistance by becoming dependent on it indefinitely.
As the Chief Imam of Daaru Na’im Central Mosque, he emphasized that zakat aims to empower the less fortunate, who should use the assistance wisely.
He clarified that zakat is a method of empowerment and poverty alleviation established by Sharia law, cautioning against its exploitation by beneficiaries.
Sheikh Eleha praised the Jaiz Foundation and other Islamic organizations involved in collecting and distributing zakat in Nigeria, highlighting their role in upholding Sharia law.
“The purpose of zakat is to empower the less privileged people. Therefore, once you are selected as a beneficiary, you are to use the money or zakat item judiciously. It is not ideal for people to abuse the zakat collection by turning themselves into permanent recipients.
The best thing is for zakat beneficiaries to strive to reciprocate the gesture by paying back in the coming years.
“During the time of Umar Ibn Abdulazeez, one of the Caliphs of Islam, the Ummah disbursed zakat for two years, and people had become so empowered that in the following year (which is the third), nobody had cause to receive zakat.”
Sheikh Eleha highlighted that the significant challenge of poverty and hunger plaguing Nigerian society is primarily attributed to our insufficient utilization of zakat as a strategy to uplift the less privileged individuals.
He said, “The Islamic community must have arrangements for empowering Muslims. The Shari’a has established many ways including sadaqah, zakat and others. It is because we do not follow these ways properly that we are still facing a huge challenge of hunger and poverty today.”