Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation has disbursed a total of 10 million Naira from Zakat proceeds to 73 beneficiaries in Lagos during the 2021 Lagos Zakat Disbursement exercise.
Held on Thursday, July 29, 2021 at the Beleke Smith Memorial Mosque Hall, Surulere, Lagos, equipments such as grinding machines, welding machines, power generating sets, laptops, among others were distributed to artisans and individuals to grow their respective businesses.
Muslim News gathered that some entrepreneurs also received cheques with sums ranging from N200,000 to N500,000 to support their businesses.
Interestingly, Muslim News Publisher, Mal. Rasheed Abubakar was among the beneficiaries as he received the sum of N200,000 to sustain the running of the medium, known for its in-depth analysis and up-to-date Islamic news around Nigeria and across the Muslim world.
While addressing the guests and beneficiaries, the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abdullah Shuaib noted that at the event, a total sum of N10 million will be disbursed to 73 beneficiaries who came from different locations across Lagos State.
According to him, “We have items such as 3 grinding machines, 3 deep freezers, generating sets, 3 industrial machines for artisans and traders. Some others, especially students will be going home with 2 laptops among others. Entrepreneurs will be receiving cheques ranging from fifty thousand to 500 thousand.”
Dr. Shuaib disclosed that some of the past beneficiaries of the Foundation’s interventions which began in 2016 are now giving back to the Foundation, urging the 73 who were selected for the latest disbursement to utilise what they got effectively so that they can be self-sufficient and eligible to pay Zakat in the nearest future.
He added that “going by what we have seen in the past in terms of interventions, especially providing the required equipment to the beneficiaries to develop and grow their businesses. We have seen some who are now making their contributions to the organisation.”
“So, in this light, we believe what we are giving them today. Some are already in the fields of tailoring, baking, and so on. This will help them increase their profit and that means more people will be engaged . We believe, based on that, they will become self-sufficient and no longer depend on people or beg for alms. They already have what is required to work and earn from a legitimate source of income for themselves.
Speaking on plans by the Foundation to go beyond Nigeria in terms of Zakat distribution, Dr Shuaib responded by saying that charity begins at home.
“I think we are still in the formative stage of our intervention using the Zakat funds. Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation started this disbursement in 2016 and if you look at the organisation till date, you won’t say it is a solid organisation in terms of Zakat Fund disbursement.
“We do other interventions outside the
usage of Zakat Fund and we have done so well in those areas, especially in the North, East, North Central and North West. But there is nothing stopping us expanding beyond Nigeria because, part of our objectives is to collaborate with similar organisations that share same objective as ours, be they national or international organisations. When that time comes, and it is within our competence or what we can shoulder, I’m sure the foundation will not shy away from doing that.”
In an interview with newsmen, which included Muslim News correspondent, the guest Lecturer, Hon Abdul Hakeem Abdul Lateef commended the Foundation for spearheading the disbursements meant to alleviate poverty and emancipate so many people, noting that one of what breeds crime in the society is poverty.
He described Zakat as the third pillar of Islam which Almighty Allah established as a redistribution of wealth between the rich and the poor.
“Nigeria has so much but people have fragrantly disregarded the opportunity to give, even within their immediate family. They rather engage in flamboyant affairs, trying to outshine one another. Allah has given us this so that we can be charitable and beneficial to the poor, needy, orphans, neighbours, and so on. So, Zakat is what Allah has enshrined to assist people. Let us imbibe this.
“Nigerians generally need to help one another. Apart from the government, we also can do a lot to assist the people around us. What Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation has done is to set example for NGOs to engage in similar projects by assisting people within our means,” he added.
One of the beneficiaries, Hajiah Monsurat Tajudeen, who got a sewing machine and heat steaming machine, who used to put stones and decorations on clothes, appreciated the Foundation for the gesture.
“I’m very happy and I thank Allah and the Foundation. In shaa Allah, I will get a shop and start selling materials such as Hijab, clothes, shirts and others.
“I heard about the opportunity through my sister-in-Islam. She told me and said they will help me. I went there and explained myself to them and I was assured I will get help. Today I am happy to be among the lucky beneficiaries,” she concluded.
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