Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has enjoined Muslims to reach out to the less-privileged and create lasting impacts that will be felt for generations to come through the payment of zakat, sadaqat, and waqf thereby ameliorating poverty and empowering the needy in the society.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the call on Saturday while speaking at the Launch/Public Presentation of the IBILE Muslims Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation themed: “Empowering Communities through Zakat, Sadaqah and Waqf,” held at the Main Auditorium, University of Lagos.
The event underscores the importance of collective efforts in empowering communities through religious principles, with a call for continued generosity and commitment to social justice.
The governor, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, highlighted that Zakat, Sadaqah, and Waqf were essential pillars in Islam, embodying compassion, solidarity, and social justice, positing that Zakat, like fasting during Ramadan and daily prayers, is compulsory for Muslims being a responsibility to give to the less privileged.
“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.
According to him, 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.
He 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 timeless principles into tangible actions.
“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,” the governor stressed.
Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the leaders of the IBILE Muslims Community for their foresight and commitment in bringing the Foundation to life, charging them to ensure transparency and accountability in their operations and ensure that the foundation was well managed, just as he equally called on all Muslims to donate generously to the Foundation.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Oluwatoyin 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.
Abou-Noulla emphasized that Zakat and Sadaqah were integral to faith, promoting generosity and social justice, stressing that the Foundation hoped to extend assistance to those in need, support the vulnerable, and foster solidarity within the community.
“By contributing to this new course, you are not only enriching your life in this world but preparing for the year after, but you are also contributing to the development of vital infrastructure such as improved educational institutions, healthcare facilities such as specialized centers for mother and child care and ensure accessibility to affordable healthcare, empowering programmes, among other developments,” he said.
The Islamic cleric, while reflecting on the significance of Zakat and Sadaqah, stated that the different donations to Zakat and Sadaqah no matter how small was a beckon of hope, adding that donations would be used in transforming lives and communities, stressing that the principles of charity and compassion remain centre of faith.
“Let us seize this opportunity to fulfill our religious obligations and make our commitment to fellow human beings. Together let us make genuine impact to 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, Prof. AbdilRasaq Alaro, and Sheikh Sulaiman Onikijipa, stressed the significance of Zakat, Sadaqah, and Waqf in eradicating poverty and empowering the needy and less privileged in the community.
They urged Muslims to give generously to the Foundation, asserting that it is a divine obligation to support those in need.
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