Religion
IMAM Abdul-Azeez Onike, Chief Missioner, Nasrul-Lahil-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT), has called on all Nigerians not to leave the socio-economic development of the country to the government alone.
Onike said in a statement in Lagos on Tuesday that all Nigerians had significant roles to play in it, especially the wealthy ones, by ensuring that they contributed meaningfully to national development.
He said that the organisation had disbursed N195.9 million since its formation in 2014 to some 895 beneficiaries spread across the nation.
According to him, N22 million was disbursed to 219 beneficiaries of Zakatand Sadaqah, so as to empower them economically, regardless of gender, tribe or religion.
Onike said that Zakat and Sadaqah were to achieve an important part of the mission statement of NASFAT, “to develop an enlightened Muslim society nurtured by a true understanding of Islam for spiritual development and the welfare of mankind”.
“Needless to say that the aspect of the spiritual development of members is achieved with the NASFAT asalatu and dawah programmes which are replicated in over 350 branches and groups across the globe,” he said.
Onike said that giving Zakat and Sadaqah was a demonstration of truthfulness of faith by the giver, hence the name sadaqah (charity), stems from the Arabic root word ‘sidq’, which means sincerity.
“So giving Sadaqah is considered a sign of sincere faith,’’ he said.
Onike urged Zakat and Sadaqah givers to entrust their zakat and Sadaqah to NAZAS – the NASFAT Agency for Zakat and Sadaqah.
He also urged them to be rest assured that they would be disbursed to the appropriate beneficiaries.
“A total of 35 persons benefited from 17 chest freezers, four grinding machines, four mini-ovens, six generators, a laptop and three industrial sewing machines, along with cash to support their businesses.
“Some 38 students in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions were given educational scholarships, while 15 persons were given medical and health-related support.
“Trade empowerment and business support were provided to 114 other beneficiaries to boost their businesses,’’ he said. (NAN)
– Sept. 3, 2019 @ 14:25 GMT |
Tags: NASFAT chief missioner tasks Nigerians on socio-economic development
