The partner, an association of Muslim men in business and professions, has disbursed the sum of N6.5 million in Zakat funds to Muslims in need in the state of Oyo by 2025.
In the distribution event of Sunday in Ibadan, the amir of the district of Oyo of the Association, Alhaji Nurain Zakariyah, said that the gesture fulfilled the objective of the association to show Islam as a vibrant religion related to spiritual life and human development in general.
According to Zakariyah, one of the ways to achieve this goal is through the administration of Zakat, collecting from the rich and distributing to the members of the UMMAH.
He added that Zakat's distribution was also carried out simultaneously on Sunday by the association in Lagos, Osun, Kwara, Cross River and the territory of the Federal Capital (FCT), Abuja.
Zakariyah, who said that a total sum of N114 million was distributed in all branches, said that the disbursement has positively impacted the life of the beneficiaries over the years.
He urged rich Muslims in the country to prioritize Zakat's payment to help reduce poverty among the faithful.
In his comments, the president of the Organizing Committee, Alhaji Abdulwakeel Olaniyi, explained that although 77 applications were received, 48 beneficiaries: 29 women and 19 men, were finally selected for Zakat.
Previously, at a conference, the Missionary of the Association, Dr. Mubashir Yusuf, explained that Zakat, as a mandatory beneficial organization and the third pillar of Islam, is a compulsory annual donation of 2.5 percent of the richness of a Muslim.
According to Yusuf, many Muslims in the country today face economic difficulties due to the general negligence of the Zakat institution, which Allah designed to purify wealth, promote economic equality and support those in need.
He encouraged the rich Muslims to obey the order of Allah paying Zakat regularly to reap their benefits and avoid the consequences of negligence.
Referring to the reign of Caliph Umar, Dr. Yusuf declared that Zakat, if he is prioritized by the rich, has the potential to eradicate poverty and guarantee abundance in society, especially among Muslims.
Also speaking, a former amir of the association, Dr. Bashir Olanrewaju, urged the beneficiaries to make a judicious use of funds so they could become Zakat donors in the future.
He also encouraged them to strengthen their practice of Islam and deepen their relationship with Allah.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Mr. Kazeem Akindele and Hajiya Taiwo Badmus praised the association for support and promised to use the funds effectively.