LAGOS State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has implored Muslims to reduce poverty and empower the needy in the society through the payment of zakat, sadaqat and waqf.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stated this last weekend at the launch/public presentation of the Ibile Muslims Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation with the theme ‘Empowering Communities through Zakat, Sadaqah and Waqf’.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, described zakat, sadaqah and waqf as essential pillars in Islam that embody compassion, solidarity and social justice.
He said like fasting during Ramadan and daily prayers, zakat payment is compulsory for Muslims and it is a responsibility to give to the underprivileged.
“Just like fasting during the month of Ramadan and observing our daily prayers, zakat payment is also compulsory for Muslims. It is for us as Muslims not to abdicate our responsibility but understand that we need to share with the poor and needy in our midst from what Allah has blessed us with,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor said that through these principles, Muslims are reminded of their duties to support the less fortunate, promote equity and foster an environment where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the establishment of the Ibile Muslims Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation as a significant milestone in the collective efforts of the government and the religious bodies to translate the “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. And with waqf, we are investing in sustainable endowments that will provide long-term benefits to our communities.”
While commending the leaders of the Ibile Muslims Community for their foresight and commitment in bringing the foundation to life, the governor charged them to ensure transparency and accountability in their operations and ensure that the foundation is well managed.
He called on all Muslims to donate generously to the foundation.
Earlier, the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaiman Abou-Noulla, stated that the foundation is not just an organisation but a beacon of hope and symbol of collective responsibility towards one another and the development of the community.
He stated that zakat and sadaqah are integral to faith, promoting generosity and social justice, stressing that the foundation hopes to extend assistance to those in need, support the vulnerable and foster solidarity within the community.
“By contributing to this new cause, you are not only enriching your life in this world but preparing for the hereafter. You are also contributing to the development of vital infrastructure such as improved educational institutions, health care facilities such as specialised centres for mother and child care and ensuring accessible and affordable health care, empowerment programmes, among others,” Sheikh Abou-Noulla said.
He said donation to charity, no matter how small, “is a beacon of hope.”
“Let us seize this opportunity to fulfill our religious obligations and make our commitment to fellow human beings. Together, let us make genuine impact on life and leave a long-lasting legacy of kindness and generosity for future generations,” he said
In their presentations, the two guest speakers at the event, Professor AbdilRasaq Alaro and Sheikh Sulaiman Onikijipa, stressed the significance of zakat, sadaqah and waqf in eradicating poverty and empowering the needy and underprivileged in the society.
They urged Muslims to give generously to the foundation, as it is a divine obligation to support those in need.
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