The Companion, an Islamic organization, distributed N6.2 million in cash and items as zakat to selected Muslims in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, over the weekend.
Zakat Distribution Details
Dr. Abdulmussawir Alli-Oluwafuyi, the group's state Amir, stated that four categories of beneficiaries would receive over N5 million in cash, while others would receive business items worth N1.2 million. He identified eleven students, 19 artisans or business operators, six individuals with serious debts, and two with health challenges as beneficiaries of the annual zakat program.
Items distributed included sewing machines, weaving machines, gas irons and cylinders, projectors, and blenders.
Religious Significance
Dr. Alli-Oluwafuyi explained that zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam, which reduces the gap between the rich and the poor when sincerely practiced. He emphasized that the program aims to alleviate poverty and provide support to those in need.
Professor AbdulJafar Olawale Fahm urged donors not to view the deductions from their wealth as a loss, as zakat increases social ratings, guarantees divine blessings, and increases provisions. He assured donors of multiple divine increases in their provisions.
Advice to Beneficiaries
The former Managing Director of Islamic Microfinance Bank, Mallam Tajudeen Shuaib, and Engineer Kameel Olalekan advised beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items and cash. They urged recipients to always place the fear of Almighty Allah ahead of their business transactions and not to sell the items given, as such actions may discourage donors and hurt the tenants of Islam.
Beneficiary Testimonial
Yusuf Aweda, a digital literacy technologist and beneficiary, commended the group. He noted that the projector he received would allow his students to experience the digital world. "We were given a projector to aid our teaching, so that our students can be taken to the digital world for a unique experience," he said.
