NASFAT Distribute N4.4 Million Zakat In Kaduna, Calls For National Prayer

Imam Marooph Raji, Kaduna branch Missioner of Nasrul-lahi-li Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), has urged Nigerians to intensify prayers for the country and its leaders to overcome current security and economic challenges.

The Imam made the call on Sunday in Kaduna during the presentation of Zakat proceeds to the needy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that N4.4 million was distributed to 73 beneficiaries at the event.

Raji said that the organization had embarked on seven weeks of special prayers for peace, progress, and development in the country.

He explained that the payment of Zakat by wealthy Muslims was to support the needy and purify one’s wealth.

“It also increases one’s wealth by Allah, cures social diseases, and promotes employment.

“Those who refuse to pay Zakat are indirectly saying the word of Allah is not true and will be faced with difficulties.

“Zakat and Sadaqah will help to bridge the gap between the rich and less privileged in the society and also empower vulnerable people in the society,” he stressed.

The Imam implored Islamic organizations to emulate NASFAT by enlightening the society on the need to pay Zakat, to improve the lot of the poor in the society.

On his part, Alhaji Abdulrazak Zulquarnain, the Zakat Committee Chairman, advised Muslims “to revive Zakat which is one of the most neglected pillars of Islam.”

He said that NASFAT Kaduna has a very vibrant and robust team that intervened in no small measure in the areas of health, education, community service, assistance to orphans, widows, and IDPs, and youth empowerment.

“In 2020 alone, we received no fewer than 68 letters requesting for assistance with available Zakat/ Sadaqah fund received at about N1,750,000 million, and only 23 vulnerable people benefited from the fund, while 50% of the fund was given to NASFAT Kaduna Branch for School and Mosque development.

” In 2021, Kaduna branch of NASFAT’s Zakat and Sadaqah was N4,409.729.23, with 73 letters of requests received by the committee out of which 24 letters were treated.

He said the items given to beneficiaries included deep Freezers, Industrial Design Machines, Sewing Machines, Provisions, Payment of debt,

 School fees, amongst others.

He solicited more donations to produce Islamic books for pupils of NASFAT Model School and Islamiyya.

He urged the beneficiaries to utilize the gesture and see it as a wake-up call, to also reciprocate in the future.

In his address Alhaji Kabir Bello, NASFAT Zonal Chairman said Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam, as revealed in 82 verses of the Qur’an.

” If social justice and compassion of fellow humans who are

 disadvantaged is one of the central themes in the message of Allah

 to humanity, then it is no wonder that Zakkat, like prayer and fasting,

 was also enjoined upon the people.”

According to him, Zakat's benefits include but are not limited to the purification of wealth.

“Zakat keeps one away from sin and saves the giver from the moral ill arising from the love and greed of wealth; through Zakat, the poor are cared for: these include widows, orphans, the disabled, the needy and the destitute.”

He also appealed to the beneficiaries to make good use of the items, so that they can also be part of the people that would pay Zakat by next year.

Speaking also at the event, Director General, Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith, Mallam Jamilu Albani appreciated NASFAT for the gesture.

The director-general who was represented by Mallam Tahir Baba called on other Islamic organizations to also take Zakat seriously to eradicate poverty in the society. (NAN)