Foundation empowers Muslims in Edo, urges faithful to pay Zakat

In line with the Islamic doctrine, which emphasizes helping the poor and needy in society, the Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation has empowered 71 Muslims in Edo with various items and cash presentation to ameliorate their suffering.

Executive Director, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Prince Suleiman Olagunju, said the gesture is aimed at improving their lives as well as discouraging the very poor in the Islamic fold from begging for alms. He said he established the foundation 18 years ago with the vision and mission to alleviate poverty among the Islamic faithful through payment of Zakat.

Olagunju, who noted that one of the major challenges of the foundation is the non-payment of Zakat by Muslims, urged faithful to pay Zakat, as it is obligatory for Muslims.

Speaking at the empowerment ceremony in Benin, the Chief Imam of Benin Central Mosque, Alhaji Mohammed Edosomwan, also encouraged Muslims to pay Zakat.

Edosomwan, who commended the foundation for the empowerment, noted that the gesture would assist the needy, eradicate poverty as well as discourage begging for alms by Muslims.