The Companion, an association of Muslim men in business and the professions, has called for the development and implementation of a more strategic and efficient zakat system to help address the growing challenge of endemic poverty in society. The group noted that a properly structured zakat framework, if effectively managed and transparently administered, could serve as a powerful tool for sustainable human development.
This call came as the association distributed N133 million in zakat proceeds to 260 beneficiaries spread across six states, including Oyo, Osun, Kwara, FCT, Cross River, and Lagos. The intervention, which covers business support, scholarships, business and trade equipment, cash for healthcare, and upkeep, is aimed at providing relief and economic support to individuals and families in need, while reinforcing the role of zakat as a key instrument for social welfare and community development.
Speaking at the 13th edition of the Companion Zakat Fund Distribution Ceremony, the National Amir, Nojeem Jimoh, lauded the commitment of donors for contributing their wealth to empower the less privileged. He stated that N47 million in zakat proceeds was distributed to the needy in Lagos for the exercise. He said that the initiative reflected the spirit of compassion, charity, and social responsibility encouraged in Islam, noting that the contributions made by donors have empowered thousands of beneficiaries, helping them meet basic needs, support their families, and in some cases establish small businesses for sustainable livelihoods.
The cleric, however, stressed that the greatest motivation for sustaining the scheme year after year is the visible impact it has on the lives of beneficiaries. “I recall a particular person who was doing a PhD and was stuck halfway. A N500,000 intervention from our zakat fund enabled him to return and complete his programme,” he said. The Amir also disclosed that another PhD candidate was recently supported with N700,000, expressing optimism that more success stories would emerge in the coming years. “These are just two out of many examples. Seeing lives transformed gives us tremendous joy and motivates us to continue improving the programme and increasing the amount distributed yearly,” he stated.
He encouraged other Zakat-based organisations to focus on empowerment rather than cash support, explaining that it is the most sustainable form of assistance and more effective in creating lasting change in people’s lives. In his lecture, the Director of Arabic Village, Imam Imran Adeniyi Rufai, pointed out that while Zakat is a compulsory obligation ordained by Allah, its essence extends beyond mere collection, as it purifies the souls and wealth of donors while also sustaining and emancipating the needy from the cycle of poverty. He advocated for a revival of the zakat system practiced during the reign of Umar ibn Abdulaziz, where affluent citizens contributed voluntarily without coercion, and underprivileged Muslims achieved true financial empowerment.
One of the beneficiaries of the zakat distribution programme, Mubaraka Tiamiyu, expressed gratitude to the organiser, describing the financial support as timely assistance for entrepreneurs facing economic challenges in the country. She explained that taking such funds directly from her business capital could negatively affect her operations, adding that the zakat intervention came at a critical time for her business. The Chief Executive Officer of the CRC Credit Bureau Limited, Dr. Tunde Popoola, described zakat as a fundamental pillar of Islam that should be embraced beyond the Ramadan period. He urged financially capable Muslims to consistently fulfill their zakat obligations to support the less privileged and promote social justice in society. He also urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the support received and work towards becoming future contributors to the zakat scheme.
