Get Guardian on GoogleIn an uplifting demonstration of faith, solidarity and social responsibility, the Zakat and Sadaqat Management Board of the Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque (LSCCM), Alausa, Ikeja, in collaboration with the Shamsi Adisa Thomas (S.A.T) Central Mosque, held the 4th edition of its annual Zakat and Sadaqah Disbursement Program.
The event, which took place on Tuesday, 3rd November 2026, at the LSCCM Multipurpose Hall, saw N10 million disbursed directly to 138 carefully selected qualified beneficiaries to support micro-businesses, medical needs and educational welfare.
Speaking on behalf of the management board, the Executive Director of the LSCCM Zakat and Sadaqat Management Committee, Alhaji Murtada Balogun, emphasized the core mission behind the board’s establishment five years ago.
“Over the years, we observed that many members of our community faced severe economic hardships and frequently approached the mosque for urgent assistance,” Balogun explained. “Rather than relying solely on mosque coffers, we instituted this board to systematically collect Zakat and Sadaqah from eligible donors and channel it directly to verified, needy individuals.”
He noted that over the past five years, the board has disbursed an estimated cumulative sum of N30 million across four major editions, empowering small traders, funding healthcare treatments, and paying tuition for struggling students.
Addressing the beneficiaries directly, Balogun urged them to utilize the disbursed funds prudently to build sustainable livelihoods.
“Our primary goal is to empower indigent Muslims so that they, too, can become financially independent. We urge you to let the Zakat circulate, use this seed capital to grow your business so that tomorrow you will return not to collect, but to contribute as donors to the foundation,” he admonished.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Abdulganiu Abdulaziz, reiterated that this edition specifically focused on micro-entrepreneurs needing working capital to cushion economic pressures.
“We are boosting small trades to ensure these funds act as circulating capital. We pray Allah places His divine barakah (blessings) on these disbursements. Beneficiaries must remain focused and refrain from diverting funds into non-essential expenses,” Abdulaziz advised.
The organizers also extended deep gratitude to all contributors and donors who entrusted their Zakat and Sadaqah to the board, praying that Allah rewards their piety and continues to expand their provisions.
Delivering the religious admonition, Imam Gafar Abdulhakeem reminded the congregation that wealth is a trust from the Almighty, designed to foster community support rather than inequality.
“Allah created the world as He willed, bestowing wealth upon some so that the rich may serve as instruments of help for the poor,” Imam Abdulhakeem stated. “Whatever goodness or wealth is bestowed upon you, make judicious use of it. Contentment and steadfast faith lead to true success.”
Tracing the historical legacy of Islamic philanthropy, the cleric cited the life of Abdurrahman ibn Awf, one of the Prophet’s noble companions. “He was not wealthy from the onset, but through prayers and righteousness, Allah blessed him tremendously. Never lose hope in the mercy of Allah. The world is transient and the Ultimate Abode is Paradise. Zakat, as one of the fundamental pillars of Islam, exists precisely to uplift the less privileged.”
