Al-Habibiyyah Society Distributes N30 Million in Zakat to 140 Beneficiaries in Abuja

The Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society has distributed items such as sewing machines, grinding machines, freezers, and start-up capital totaling N30 million to 140 beneficiaries in Abuja, marking a significant effort in poverty reduction.

Recipients of this aid included individuals from both Christian and Muslim faiths, who received support through the Islamic practice of Zakat.

This initiative was held to observe the 5th National Zakat and Waqf Day and is designed to address societal inequality and alleviate poverty.

Imam Fuad Adeyemi, the Chief Executive and Imam of the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, stated that the disbursement of Zakat serves not only to reduce poverty and purify wealth but also to complement government initiatives and help mitigate insecurity.

"What we are doing today and discussing is the essence of Zakat and Waqf generally. We are distributing approximately N30 million worth of items and cash to 140 people, and we have at least 10 to 15 Christians among the beneficiaries, as mentioned in the Qur’an. Therefore, non-Muslims are also included. This initiative cuts across health, education, empowerment, and entrepreneurship – many areas are involved."

He added, "We expect people to support this programme so that we can help our country in the best possible way. Incidentally, it is not religiously exclusive; any religion can embrace it, and it will work for everyone. The scope, the people, and the outreach encompass every human being."

Imam Fuad emphasized that Zakat has the potential to completely eradicate poverty and transform lives across Nigeria, noting that many Muslims have not consistently fulfilled their Zakat obligations.

Usman Abdullahi Abdulaziz, the Galadima Hadeija of Jigawa State and the chairman of the occasion, acknowledged Al-Habibiyyah's ongoing public awareness efforts regarding Zakat and Waqf. He described these as fundamental Islamic social finance tools for poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and improvements in education, health, and housing.

Engr Muhammad Lawal Maidoki, Sadaukin of Sokoto and National Chairman of the Association of Zakat and Waqf Operators in Nigeria (AZAWON), represented by Dr. Balarabi Zakari, affirmed that Zakat is one of the core pillars of Islam, contributing to poverty reduction, decreased crime rates, and the promotion of peace.

"We believe that with Zakat and Waqf, if properly harnessed and operationalised in this country, it will contribute significantly to the GDP, create jobs, and solve the problem of youth unemployment."