The Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque (LSCCM) successfully hosted its 3rd annual Zakat and Sadaqah disbursement ceremony, providing vital financial assistance and support to numerous beneficiaries within the community.
The event, held at the mosque’s premises, underscored the spirit of generosity and communal responsibility inherent in Islamic teachings. Beneficiaries, who had been carefully vetted, received various forms of aid, including cash disbursements, educational support, and provisions for small businesses, all aimed at empowering them towards self-sufficiency.
The ceremony drew the attention of dignitaries including the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Community Mosque, Alhaji Muritador Adekunle Balogun, who emphasized the profound significance of Zakat and Sadaqah in fostering socio-economic development and alleviating poverty.
“Zakat is a pillar of Islam, a divine injunction that ensures wealth circulates and reaches those in need, purifying the wealth of the giver and providing succour to the less fortunate,” Balogun stated in his remarks.
Continuing, he said, “This annual disbursement is a testament to the commitment of the SCCM and its generous congregants to uphold this sacred duty and make a tangible difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters.”
He noted that the funds were meticulously collected from eligible members of the community throughout the year, ensuring transparency and adherence to Islamic principles of charity.
Balogun expressed gratitude to all donors and volunteers whose contributions made the 3rd edition of the disbursement ceremony. He reiterated the mosque dedication to continuing these charitable initiatives, reinforcing its role as a beacon of hope and support for the Lagos community.
Among the beneficiaries is a blind final-year Political Science student at Lagos State University (LASU)-affiliated Federal College of Education Special, AbdulAzeez Barakat, who received N50,000 from the mosque, a sum she intends to put directly towards her outstanding school fees.
“I am here for Zakat,” Barakat stated, visibly grateful. “They gave me N50,000, and I want to use it to pay my school fees at Lagos State University.” She revealed that her total final year fees amount to N136,000, with an additional N60,000 required for her project.
Barakat also shared personal challenges, noting a lack of parental support and difficulties with accommodation, often relying on friends or staying at the mosque during vacations.
“I’m having challenges about my parents; they are not concerned about me,” she lamented. “I’ve not seen them till now, if I see anybody that can sponsor me and provide accommodation for me I will be happy because this is my final year.”
Expressing deep gratitude to the donors, Barakat offered a heartfelt prayer: “I want to say a big thanks to those people that gave me money. They will not lack anything good. Insha Allah, God will protect them, and God will give them money in abundance, Insha Allah.” For those willing to offer further assistance, Barakat can be reached through her school or via phone at 08164628947. She confirmed possessing her student ID card and receipts for previous school fees payments as proof of her academic standing.
Another beneficiary, identified as Isiaq Muhammad Bashir, highlighted the importance of the aid for his livelihood. Isiaq is seeking to replace a crucial piece of equipment for his trade. “Recently, I have a burnt machine, a machine that I used to cut wood,” he explained. “So, I want to buy another one.” He estimates needing N300,000 for the replacement, expressing determination to make the most of whatever assistance he receives.
He lauded the LSCCM’s initiative, emphasizing its significance in retaining and attracting members to the Muslim community. “My message to the organization is that they should keep trying because these are the ways that other religions use to attract our Muslim brothers and sisters,” he urged.
