Islamic Scholar advocates use of Zakat to tackle poverty among Muslims

An Akure-based Islamic scholar and Proprietor of the Al-Furqan Centre for Qur’anic Memorisation and Islamic Culture, Mallam AbdulAzeez Qomarudeen, has identified the institution of Zakaat as a viable mechanism for addressing poverty among Muslims in Nigeria.

Mallam Qomarudeen made the stated this while delivering the pre-Ramadan lecture organised by the Ondo State Council for Islamic Affairs in Akure.

Speaking on the topic “Zakaat and Sadaqah; a Panacea to Poverty Alleviation in the Society”, the scholar urged governments, Islamic leaders and relevant stakeholders to strengthen advocacy on Zakaat payment in line with Islamic law (Sharia).

He explained that the primary objective of Zakaat is to combat poverty and reduce inequality within society, stressing that proper understanding and compliance are essential for its effectiveness.

“There are laid down procedures in the collection and disbursement of Zakaat, it’s not cumbersome but there is the need for Islamic leaders and scholars to educate Muslims, particularly, those who have been blessed by Allah to do the needful,” he said.

He further noted that lack of sustained awareness has limited the impact of Zakaat on poverty reduction.

“There are a lot of wealthy individuals amongst the Muslims who would have been paying their Zakaats but because there have not been concerted efforts and advocacy, the situations of poor Muslims remain,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, represented by a Commissioner in the Teaching Service Commission, Alhaji Isiaka Olatibo, called for the establishment of a Zakaat Commission to coordinate education, collection and transparent disbursement of Zakaat funds.

The Chairman of the occasion and Permanent Secretary, Government House and Protocol, Alhaji Mudasiru Adegbeha, commended the collaboration between the Ondo State Council for Islamic Affairs and the Muslims in South-Western Nigeria (MUSWEN), which led to the empowerment initiative. He urged the organisers to sustain the partnership and broaden stakeholder engagement to expand its impact.

Earlier, the Grand Imam of Akure, Shaykh AbdulHakeem Akorede, appreciated the Council and MUSWEN for the initiative and encouraged them to sustain the programme.

In his welcome address, the Ondo State Chairman of the Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Waheed Fadola, disclosed that funds used for the empowerment programme were generated from Zakaat contributions made by members across the state. He added that beneficiaries were drawn from the three senatorial districts of Ondo State and expressed gratitude to MUSWEN for its support.

At the event, no fewer than ten sewing machines, ten grinding machines and cash gifts valued at over ₦250,000 were presented to beneficiaries.

The programme attracted eminent Islamic scholars and personalities, including Chief Imams from Supare-Akoko, Akungba-Akoko and Ifedore.