* Zakat isn’t a loss but means of purification: Dr Shuaib
* Stakeholders seek greater trust and transparency
An Islamic Finance Expert and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AS and Associates, Dr Abdullahi Shuaib, has called for greater accountability in zakat administration, saying that transparency in the collection and distribution of zakat is essential for building public trust in Islamic institutions, reducing poverty, and strengthening unity within the Muslim community.
Dr Shuaib also urged Muslims who qualify to pay zakat to subject their wealth to proper assessment so the correct value of zakat payable can be determined, stressing that accurate assessment protects the interests of both donors and beneficiaries.
According to him, accountability and proper assessment are fundamental to ensuring that zakat fulfils its purpose of promoting justice and fairness, alleviating hardship, attracting divine blessings, and supporting the welfare of the less privileged.
He gave the admonition on Sunday, April 26, at the 1447AH/2026 zakat disbursement programme organised by the Nasrul Lahi l Fatih Society Agency for Zakat and Sadaqat (NAZAS) at the Lagos State Secretariat Mosque Hall, Alausa, Ikeja.
Muslim News gathered that no fewer than 210 Nigerians benefitted from the over N77 million disbursed at the event, with beneficiaries receiving items such as washing machines, grinding machines, barbing salon equipment, and cheques to support their livelihoods.
Dr Shuaib, a former Chief Executive Officer of Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation, Abuja, said zakat is not merely about the sharing of wealth but about extending mercy, restoring dignity, giving hope, and fulfilling obedience to Allah.
According to him, zakat remains one of the greatest institutions in Islam because it purifies wealth, reduces hardship, strengthens communities, and unites hearts.
He reminded those entrusted with the management of zakat that they are custodians of one of the pillars of Islam and must discharge the responsibility with sincerity, fairness, accountability, and compassion.
He noted that proper administration of zakat builds confidence in Islamic institutions and helps address social and economic hardship in society.
Zakat is a means of purification
The Public Administrator and Development Manager also charged wealthy Muslims to regard their possessions as a trust from Allah, stressing that zakat is not a loss but a means of purification, protection, and increase.
He said paying zakat purifies wealth from greed, brings blessings into income, protects against unseen calamities, earns Allah’s mercy, and opens doors to unexpected provision.
Dr Shuaib added that regular giving softens the heart, strengthens gratitude, and secures reward in the hereafter.
Addressing beneficiaries of the zakat and sadaqah disbursement, the respected Muslim scholar urged them to receive the support with dignity and gratitude, explaining that the assistance is a right ordained by Allah for those in need.
He encouraged them to use the support wisely and productively so that it can serve as a pathway to a better future.
According to him, zakat offers immediate relief from hardship, restores dignity, creates opportunities for education, health care, shelter, and business support, while motivating recipients to become self reliant and future donors.
Fair zakat distribution strengthens society
Dr Shuaib further noted that sincere payment and just distribution of zakat contribute to a healthier and safer society by reducing inequality, curbing envy, promoting compassion, and strengthening brotherhood.
He said zakat supports economic circulation, builds social harmony, and helps create a caring and responsible Muslim society.
Describing the event as more than a financial exercise, he said the gathering represented an opportunity to turn wealth into worship, hardship into hope, and neighbours into family.
He prayed for continued blessings for donors, wisdom for organisers, and relief for struggling families, while asking Allah to grant peace and prosperity to Lagos, Nigeria, and Muslim communities at large.
NAZAS records highest disbursement
Earlier in his remarks, while speaking with Muslim News, General Manager of NAZAS, Alhaji Mufutau Adelotan, said the disbursement was part of the agency’s annual intervention programme after the Ramadan zakat drive.
He said over 210 beneficiaries were receiving support across health, education, empowerment, debt relief, monthly stipends, and the special train to fund scheme (TTFS).
According to him, beneficiaries were selected after applying and passing through the agency’s screening process.
He disclosed that over N77 million would be disbursed during the exercise, making it the highest single disbursement so far.
“This is the first time we are disbursing this much, and it is going to get bigger in the future. We hope to receive more funds from donors so we can reach more vulnerable people,” Alhaji Adelotan said.
Ten entrepreneurs receive N1m grants
Speaking on the train to fund scheme (TTFS), overseer of the programme, Alhaji AbdulWasi’i Ayoola, said the agency trained small and medium scale entrepreneurs, both young and old, all of whom had practical business ideas.
He said more than 300 applicants sought support under the programme, but 10 successful beneficiaries emerged and would each receive N1 million to support their businesses.
Alhaji Ayoola explained that the beneficiaries also underwent a two day business training programme where academics and practitioners trained them in business planning and financial management.
“They also passed through finance classes that will guide their spending and improve their business management,” he said.
Stakeholders seek greater trust and transparency
Stakeholders at the event commended the agency for the successful disbursement and emphasised the need for greater trust and transparency in zakat administration.
Immediate former Chairman of NAZAS, Alhaji Hafiz Bakare, congratulated the committee and appreciated donors for making the intervention possible.
He said accountability and trust remain major challenges in zakat collection and disbursement and praised the event for showing donors the impact of their contributions.
“Today’s event is excellent because donors are able to see the impact of their zakat. I want the committee to work harder to reach the N1 billion benchmark by next year,” he said.
Also speaking, immediate former President of NASFAT, Mr Niyi Yusuf, expressed satisfaction with the progress the agency has made and said it could attain the N1 billion benchmark within the next few years.
He urged beneficiaries to use the support prudently so they could become future zakat payers.
Speaking on behalf of the NASFAT President, Vice President II of NASFAT, Alhaji Ajiroba Maroof Adedokun, congratulated the beneficiaries and urged wealthy Muslims to willingly submit themselves for zakat assessment.
He said zakat assessment is part of the divine instruction to collect from the wealthy and distribute to the needy and vulnerable members of society.
The annual disbursement by NAZAS highlights the growing role of organised zakat institutions in promoting accountability, alleviating poverty, and expanding economic empowerment among vulnerable members of the Muslim community.
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