The Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) has disbursed more than N77 million in zakat to over 210 beneficiaries across Nigeria, marking its highest single-round distribution since the initiative began.

The disbursement, carried out through its zakat arm, NASFAT Agency for Zakat and Sadaqat (NAZAS), was part of activities for the 1447 AH annual zakat exercise following the Ramadan collection drive.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager of NAZAS, Mufutau Omoshola Adelotan, said the intervention covered multiple areas, including health, education, business support, debt relief and monthly stipends for vulnerable individuals.

He explained that beneficiaries received both cash and working tools such as grinding machines, freezers and sewing machines to support their livelihoods.

“What we are doing today is our annual disbursement for 1447 AH and 2026 after the Ramadan zakat drive. We are giving out items and funds to over 210 people,” Adelotan said.

He noted that the beneficiaries were carefully selected through a structured process designed to ensure that only those genuinely in need received support.

According to him, the agency opens its application to the public annually, allowing interested individuals to obtain and submit forms for consideration.

“After submission, a technical committee reviews the applications and conducts interviews. That is how we identify those who are truly eligible for zakat across different categories,” he added.

Adelotan described this year’s disbursement as a significant milestone for the organisation, noting that the N77 million distributed surpasses previous figures.

“For today, we are disbursing over N77 million. This is the first time we are giving out this much at once. In previous editions, we disbursed between N20 million and N30 million in bits, but this is the highest so far,” he said.

He attributed the increase to the generosity of donors, many of whom contributed more this year despite the country’s economic challenges.

“We are happy because most of our previous donors gave more than they had given in the past. Despite the economic situation, we thank Allah for their lives and their resources,” he said.

He added that the agency remains optimistic about raising more funds before the end of the year to support additional beneficiaries.

Adelotan also urged beneficiaries to make good use of the support provided, stressing that zakat should be seen as a rare opportunity rather than a handout.

“Beneficiaries should take this as an opportunity. Those given cash should spend it wisely on what they requested. Those given items should use them for their intended purpose and not sell or abandon them,” he advised.

He further highlighted one of the agency’s special initiatives, the “Change to Fund” scheme, which focuses on equipping beneficiaries with financial management skills.

Under the programme, participants receive training on how to manage money effectively before being supported with funds to grow their businesses.

The annual zakat disbursement is part of NASFAT’s commitment to social welfare and poverty alleviation, aimed at supporting vulnerable individuals and promoting economic self-reliance within communities.

The event also featured a lecture by Dr Abdullahi Shuaib, who emphasised the importance of zakat as a tool for social justice and wealth redistribution in Islam.