Lutful-lahi provides succor to indigents in hospitals, prison
Lutful-lahi Publicity Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Babsolohunkemi (left); Chairman Zakat Committee, Alhaji Egbeyemi Sultan presenting Zakat proceed (cash) to the Medical Director, Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital Yaba, Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye with him the Director information and special duties, Mr Jamiu Abolore Awe
Towards supporting the sick, inmate and mentally challenged persons stuck in various hospitals and correctional homes across Lagos State, Lutful-lahi International has donated their yearly Zakat proceeds to Gbagada General Hospital, Ikoyi Correctional Centre, Federal Medical Centre, Yaba Psychiatric Hospital and Igbobi Orthopedic Hospital.
The group usually disbursed their yearly Zakat proceeds to underprivileged Muslims in these institutions due to the severe economic downturn cushioned by COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking during the disbursement exercise, the Chairman Zakat Committee of the organisation, Alhaji Egbeyemi Sultan said the Zakat disbursement is an annual project of the organization to support indigents Muslims in hospitals and correctional home across Lagos State and a minimum of N100, 000 is donated to each of the five institutions.
He noted that despite the challenging economic situation zakat payment is obligatory on every eligible Muslims.is
“Every obedient servant of Allah is expected to pay Zakat, if neglected it is sinful. Nobody wants to sin against Allah, even if such a person is greedy, he or she cannot take money to heaven. Paying of zakat is part of good deeds, one of the five fundamental pillars of Islam,” he said.
Sultan added that the group has decided to donate their Zakat proceeds to hospitals and prison because there are so many indigent people challenged with different predicaments in these institutions and has no one to help them.
“ Luthfullah has rescued inmates in the prison who have no money to pay fines and also sick people in the hospital who have no money to buy drugs or pay for their medical bills. This is a social responsibility enjoyed by everybody, so as a religious association this is part of our activities to bring succor to the less privileged.’
He also mentioned that zakat could alleviate poverty if every Muslim endeavors to pay it as at when due.
“ If every Muslims could pay 2.5 percent from their yearly savings, poverty would be eradicated from the society. But our people are greedy, they don’t understand the tenant of Islam. All they enjoy practicing is the social aspect, going to hajj or celebrating Eidul kabir without following the nitty-gritty of the religion which is helping the less privilege in their mist. As zakat is a fundamental pillar of Islam, there is punishment for those who neglect it.”
He urged religious organization to key into payment of zakat to help Muslim needy in the society. “ Muslim organisations should make sure that all their members do their religious obligation conscientiously, pay their Zakat and help the needy in their mist. Likewise extend it to other parts of the community.’
The Medical Director, Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital Yaba, Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye commended the kind gesture of the organization, noting that about 25 percent of the patient in admission in this hospital has nobody to cloth, feed, pay for their medications and even bury them when they die. The hospital bore all their expenses.
“ I want to say a very big thank you to the founder and the whole of Lutful-lahi congregation for counting our patients worthy of your Zakat. We are very grateful, on behalf of everybody in the hospital we say thank you and God bless you.” He assured that the donation would be used solely for indigent patients who have nobody to care for them.
