Imperatives of taking good care of widows, by scholars

The need for Nigerians to take adequate care of widows and the orphans have been stressed.Reputable scholars and members of Nasrul-lahi-l-Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), Zone 2, at the 2018 Ramadan Lecture in Lagos emphasized the need for Muslims and Nigerians in entirety to give adequate attention to widows imbibe the culture of charity in Ramadan and beyond.

Dawah Coordinator of the Zone, Alhaja Sadiat Onike, said the zone is focusing on widow because in Islam the prophet (SAW) has said the children of the widow are orphan and anyone who take care of orphan would be very close to him like two fingers on the day of judgment and likewise taking care of widow attracts Allah’s enormous rewards.

Onike said the idea of empowering widow came as a result of the holy month of Ramadan, which is meant to show mercy, compassion and care for those who do not have. She noted that economic downturn has serious effects on widows as they found it difficult to feed, cloth and educate their children.

“Widows at younger and older ages are at greatest risk for economic hardship after widowhood, and their situation declines with the duration of widowhood,” she said.Onike urged wealthy Nigerians to give out from their wealth to the vulnerable not just during the holy month of Ramadan but every time.

“Giving to the needy goes beyond food but they should be empowered by teaching them how to fish rather than giving them fish,” she said.“Lets empower them, to stand on their own to have the economic right to stand during trial in life be it family members or abusers in the society.Encouraging charity in the only month of Ramadan as one of the door that Allah has opened to his slaves to gain big rewards in the holy month,” he said.

The National Lagos Zone 2 Zonal Vice Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Oyeyemi said the Ramadan lecture is aimed at developing and enlightening Muslims on true understanding of Islam for spiritual uplift.He said, the theme of the Ramadan lecture: ‘Which of the favours of Allah can you deny?’ was carefully chosen to remind Muslims on the favours of Allah on them despite the situation in the country.

Oyeyemi noted that Allah has been so good to Nigeria, adding that Nigerians should key in to Allah’s favours. “Merely sleeping and waking up is enough as a favour from Allah”, he said. He urged Muslims to be steadfast and hold unto the rope of Islam “Our dressing is not enough to portray us as Muslims but our character, behavior should speak the Islam in us. With that Allah we shower more mercy to the country,” he said.

Zone Two Women Secreatary, Alhaja Mulikat Oriloye said the women of Al-Jannah in the zone has embarked on the project tagged ‘Putting a smile on widow’s face’ in order to help widows around the world who need help.She noted that most widows are neglected by the generality of the society, saying: “Becoming a widow is the most terrible thing that can happen to anyone”.

Oriloye urged Nigerian to be their sisters’ keeper by putting smiles on the face of widows.“In as much as poverty cannot be totally eradicated there is need to ameliorate the plights of widows,” she said.

The Guest Lecturer, Prof. Taiwo Salisu of Dept. of Religious and Peace Studies, Lagos State University, said Allah’s mercy is present at every moment and every step of our way and His bounties are innumerable.“We can see the signs and beauty of Allah manifested everywhere and in everything, if we would actually let ourselves see them. Being a Muslim is the first favour of Allah on us,” he said.

He said God consciousness is enough to make us do away from all act of indiscipline like killing and kidnapping and the likes.“You ask for wealth Allah gives you, why did you have to make life difficult for others by perpetrating corrupt practice. In as much you want to enjoy the favour of Allah in everything you do, you need to go back to Allah ideal precept by engaging in act of righteousness,” he stated.

Salisu, said though so many Nigerians has lose hope on the current administration due to economic downturn but Allah has bless Nigeria with series of favours like natural resources and we not give him anything before he gave us. That is enough to be grateful to Allah.He urged Muslim to make judicious use of the holy month of Ramadan by exhibit the act of piety in the holy month of fasting and excess of fasting should reflect in our dealings.