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203 Muslims benefit from zakat scheme

By Shakirah Adunola
18 October 2019   |   4:17 am
As part of its economic empowerment activities, Lekki Muslim Ummah (LEMU) has touched the lives of 203 Muslims in Lagos State with the disbursement of over N40 million zakat to the needy.

General Y. Agbabiaka rtd.(left) and Chief Imam, Lekki Central Mosque, Shaykh Ridwan Jamiu presenting a tricycle to a beneficiary at the Zakat Disbursement Programme of the Lekki Muslim Ummah (LEMU), held at Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos.

As part of its economic empowerment activities, Lekki Muslim Ummah (LEMU) has touched the lives of 203 Muslims in Lagos State with the disbursement of over N40 million zakat to the needy.

The items distributed include cash, tricycles, motorcycles, deep freezers and sewing machines.

Speaking at the disbursement ceremony, the Chief Imam of the Lekki Central Mosque, Shaykh Ridwan Jamiu, congratulated the beneficiaries for being opportuned to be among the zakat beneficiaries.

He noted that, 203 people benefited from the disbursement, although more than 3,000 people applied.

He advised the beneficiaries to make use of whatever they are given judiciously and always include the donors in prayer.

“If you didn’t get as much as you wanted, don’t be disappointed. It is so because we had to ensure that as many applicants as possible are covered in the disbursement of the zakat fund. I pray Allah to bless whatever you have been given and make you prosper.

“ We need to remain steadfast in Islam and pay more attention to our Ibaadah, particularly our salat. May Allah keep our feet firm on the straight path of Islam” he said.

The Vice President, LEMU, Dr. AbduGaniy Olusola Labinjo, implored the beneficiaries to fear Allah and be fair to the zakat donors by using the money or items given to them for the purpose meant for.

“Do not sell or misuse whatever you are given. Zakat is meant to empower you and enhance your status so that you can also pay Zakat in the nearest future,” he said.

LEMU Zakat Committee Chairman, Alhaji Yunus Saliu, disclosed that over N50 million was generated for 2019 as against the N40 million of the preceding year.

He said, “I am pleased to inform this distinguished gathering that LEMU made a remarkable progress in its zakat collection efforts in year 2018/19. Alhamdulillah, our total collection was over N50 million compared to about N40 million in the preceding year, an impressive increase of 20 per cent.

“The recipients of today’s disbursements fall into five distinct categories. As a reflection of today’s economic situation in Nigeria, the original list of applicants was extraordinarily long. The committee members had the onerous task of carefully screening the list, using fair bases and criteria to determine genuine cases of need and establish the right priorities”.

He said the beneficiaries made away with items such as 10 tricycles, 13 motorcycles, 15 deep freezers, 10 sewing machines

He therefore remind the rich and affluent Muslims who have not been paying zakat to wake up and join others in performing the charitable obligation, the third pillar of Islam.

“It is not an option but indeed a compulsory payment that purifies our income and wealth. Just as ablution purifies the body and Salat purifies the soul, Zakah purifies our possessions and makes them pleasing to Allah, the Originator, Owner and Giver of all wealth.

“Your contributions will help to bridge the yawning gap between the rich and the poor, create jobs, give economic empowerment to the less privileged, restore hope, reduce the high number of unemployed youths and adults who roam the streets; and, most importantly reduce crime”.

“Your charitable contributions will help in reducing the hardship and anguish of many poor Nigerians estimated to be over eighty million, living in extreme poverty,” he said.

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