Gov. Sanwo-Olu, Prof. Abdulrazaq Alaro, Imam Farouq Onikijipa; line up of speakers and what they said at the event
The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has donated the sum of N100 million as a support for the IBILE Muslims Community Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation launched in Lagos on Saturday.
Platforms Africa reports that Muslim community in Lagos State launched the IBILE Muslims Community Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation based on a mission to provide relief to the less privileged.
The Grand launch/Presentation of the Foundation themed: “Empowering Communities through Zakat, Sadaqah and Waqf”, was held at the Main Auditorium, University of Lagos.
The foundation is an independent entity, set up, constituted and registered by well-meaning and notable Muslim residents across the five divisions of Lagos State led by the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos and the five divisional Chief Imams and the Ratibis under them.
Speaking at the well attended event, Lagos Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu urges Muslims to support the less privileged and make a lasting impact by paying zakat, sadaqat, and waqf. This, he believes, will help alleviate poverty and empower the needy in society.
The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat stressed the importance of Zakat, Sadaqah, and Waqf as fundamental pillars of Islam. He highlighted that Zakat, much like fasting during Ramadan and daily prayers, is obligatory for Muslims, signifying their duty to aid the less privileged.
He maintained that the establishment of the IBILE Muslims Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation was a significant milestone in the collective efforts of the government and the religious bodies to translate timeless principles into tangible actions.
He said, “By harnessing the power of Zakat, we are ensuring that wealth is redistributed in a manner that alleviates poverty and reduces economic disparity. Through Sadaqah, we are encouraging voluntary charity that fosters a spirit of giving and generosity.
with Waqf, we are investing in sustainable endowments that will provide long-term benefits to our communities. ”
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The governor commended the leaders of the IBILE Muslims Community for their foresight and dedication in establishing the Foundation. He urged them to maintain transparency and accountability in its operations and ensure effective management. Additionally, he encouraged all Muslims to donate generously to the foundation.
Also speaking, a respected doyen of Islamic law, Prof. AbdulRasaq AbdulMajeed Alaro, in his lecture, discussed the empowerment potential of Zakat in Islam, emphasizing that it fosters a conducive society. He noted that the global value of Zakat is over $1 trillion if properly harnessed and managed.
Prof. Alaro explained that Zakat aims to lift recipients out of poverty, benefiting both the giver and the receiver.
He warned that societies failing to empower their poorest members risk insecurity and chaos, stressing that Zakat should not be treated as a mere palliative.
Prof. Alaro argued that well-administered Zakat could achieve Sustainable Development Goals and address economic imbalances in developing countries.
He cited a 2022 UNHCR report, which listed Nigeria among 14 countries that benefited from $1.2 billion spent on refugees in some parts of the world.
Prof. Alaro emphasized the importance of the foundation maintaining transparency in managing and disbursing Zakat funds to ensure continued donor support.
He also highlighted the need to monitor and evaluate the impacts of distributed Zakat to assess the initiative’s effectiveness.
In his lecture, A popular Islamic Scholar and Grand Mufti Of Ilorin Emirate, Sheikh Sulaimon Farouq Onikijipa, emphasized the significance of Zakat in Islam, noting its place among the five pillars and its obligation to benefit eight categories of people.
He underscored the human duty to combat poverty and illness for a successful life.
Sheikh Onikijipa maintained that Zakat, a compulsory act for wealthy Muslims to thank Allah and purify their wealth, surpasses all other poverty alleviation program.
Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Oluwatoyin Sulaiman Abou-Noulla, expressed in his welcome address that the Foundation stands not merely as an organization but as a beacon of hope. Abou-Noulla emphasized the essential role of Zakat and Sadaqah in promoting generosity and social justice, highlighting the Foundation’s mission to extend aid to those in need, support vulnerable individuals, and foster unity within the community.
The Lagos Monarch, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, supported the foundation with the sum of N100 million.
Platforms Africa
