Muslim Group Empowers 48 In PH

A Muslim organisation under the aegis of Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Lagos, in conjunction with Rivers State Council of Islamic Affairs (RSCIA), last Wednesday, empowered 48 less-privileged men and women in Port Harcourt with items worth millions of naira.
The empowerment programme took place at Rachael’s Hotel in Port Harcourt. Sewing machines, refrigerators, laptops, barbing clippers and power generators were given to both Muslims and Christians.
Speaking at the occasion, the Vice President General , RSCIA, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor said giving out to the less privileged is in line with the Holy Qur’an.
He explained that Zakat is the fulfilment of the Qur’an, saying that it is to assist our sisters and brothers to be self-sufficient, so that the beneficiaries can in turn assist others.
Zakat is an annual event in which every Muslim is expected to give 2.5 percent of his or her annual income to the less privileged. As a Muslim, Zakat is a compulsory task to be fulfilled for the growth of humanity.
“We are not saying this will solve all problems of the persons but it is a starting point and to ensure that the beneficiaries are self-sufficient and that means the foundation has succeeded”, Alhaji Uhor said.
The chairman of the occasion, Kabir J. Musa said the principle of giving to the less- privileged is to increase your health.
He prayed God to give more to all those that have given.
Director General of Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Alhaji Suleiman Olagunju noted that the failure to pay Zakat by some Muslims is principal causes of all the problems in Islam.
“Zakat is expected to be an annual event by all Muslims and benefitting from it does not make you a beggar.
Zakat is to bring growth to the beneficiaries, payers and the country at large “ Olagunju said.
However, the Deputy Imam of Mile One, Diobu, Port Harcourt Central Mosque, Muratala Mohammed expressed disappointment over the manner the distribution was made, saying that some of the workers, RSCIA’s wives and brothers benefitted.

Tonye Orabere