Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN) has appealed to rich Muslims in the country to pay their Zakat (charity) as at when due.
The association noted that this is necessary in order to reduce the level of poverty in the country.
Payment of Zakat is the third pillar of Islamic religion.
The association noted that this will help to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor in the country.
MAN Chairman, Ibadan branch, Alhaji Rahman Olawale Abdul Ganiy made these disclosures in Ibadan recently.
He spoke after the distribution of the proceeds of Zakat (charity) to thirty five (35) beneficiaries from Lagos and Oyo states.
Abdul Ganiy, who spoke with our correspondent, explained that the beneficiaries were given cash, sewing machines, school fees, healthcare materials and other empowerment materials during the 8th edition of Zakat distribution.
He called on rich individuals to ensure the payment of their Zakat so as to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
He appealed to the regular contributors not to relent and to those that have not been doing so to come on board by paying Zakat or Sadaqa.
He said, “I want to appeal to the well – to – do individuals to always pay their Zakat. We will distribute it among the poor.This will help us to reduce the level of poverty. The government cannot do everything.
“There are many benefits of Zakat. Payment of Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. It helps us to purify our wealth when we pay it. It also helps to reduce the level of poverty. It helps to ensure redistribution of wealth”.
Alhaji Bayo Oyero, who is one of the BOT members of MAN while speaking, advised other Muslim organizations to emulate the practice so as to eradicate poverty in our society especially among Muslims. He called on other Muslim associations to join the queue.
The Chairman of MAN Zakat and Sadaka Administration Programme (MANZAP), Alhaji AbdulLateef Adisa, remarked that the process that led to the selection of the beneficiaries was thorough and born out of devotion to present the most qualified candidates.
Imam Mubashir Adeleke Lawal in his lecture that centred on the importance of Zakat in eradicating poverty among Muslims, advised Muslims that are qualified to pay Zakat to fulfill the obligation being the third pillar of Islam.
Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Amidu Adedokun, used the opportunity to call on the beneficiaries to wisely use the Zakat benefits to better their life so that they can also pay Zakat or Sadaka in future in return for the welfare assistance.”
