Zakat is one of the foundation pillars of Islam and a means of purifying one’s wealth and soul. In Islam, we must always remember that wealth is more than just material assets; it’s a blessing from Allah, and purifying it through Zakat is an act of worship as well as gratitude to Allah swt.
As a foremost non-profit and non-governmental charity organisation in Nigeria, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, ZSF, is out to deliver quality zakat and sadaqat administration in Nigeria and that’s exactly what has been happening in the last 25years.
Interactions with many beneficiaries of their activities attested to the positive and life-changing impacts of their kind gestures in their lives, from south to east, west and north. It’s been stories of tremendous impacts.
The Zakat body’s 25 years of existence had been that of service, sacrifice and commitment to the socio-economic development of the society, through its life-changing programmes and projects across 27 states of Nigeria.
Its impact has been deeply felt through 15 major socio-economic services that have brought hope and empowerment to countless lives across the nation. These services include poverty alleviation programmes, education support, healthcare initiatives, microfinance and economic empowerment, orphan and widows’ support, water and sanitation projects, food security and nutrition programmes, and emergency and disaster relief.
Let’s be giving our Zakat and charity to tested and trusted foundation like ZSF to purify whatever Allah swt has endowed us with, hoping to gain multiple rewards here and the Hereafter.
Others are housing and shelter projects, youth and skills development, medical outreach and free clinics, community development projects, dawah and Islamic advocacy, feeding fasting Muslims, and sharing inheritance according to Islam.
In the last 25-years, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation had disbursed over N2.3bn to at least 28,090 direct beneficiaries. And still committed to serving and inspiring more generosity which will ultimately create a more just and compassionate society.
25 years of great milestone achievements definitely deserve great support from all well-meaning Muslims who are zakatable and know those who should pay their zakat to ZSF for proper disbursement with topnotch accountability. Zakat payers can be rest assured that the board and management of ZSF will always ensure proper accountability and good returns on investments of collected Zakat funds.
As ZSF marks 25years, it’s almost 100% endorsement on its operations from all stakeholders and there’s firm belief that the board and management will surpass our expectations in terms of fund drive, disbursement and impacts in the coming years by God’s grace, while adhering to ethical guidelines.
Speaking at a media parley with members of its board to foster dialogue, share insights and strengthen collaboration going forward, the Chairman, Board of Directors, ZSF, Prof. Tajudeen Yusuf, said that the vision of the organization is to institutionalise a charity that will bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
He said the successes recorded by ZSF were made possible through collective faith, determination and unity of purpose. In a keynote address, the Executive Director and Chief Executive officer, Prince Sulaimon Olagunju, said the milestone was not just a celebration of longevity but a testament of the organisation’s unwavering commitment to alleviating poverty, empowering communities, and upholding the principles of compassion and generosity.
Monitoring ZSF from the beginning, the foundation had in the last 25 years, been in the forefront of humanitarian service, demonstrating the transformative power of zakat and sadaqat in fostering social and economic equity.
Paying our Zakat is a sign of obedience to Allah the Most-High and a show of love for humanity. Not only in the glorious month of Ramadan but can be paid anytime of the year.
“Through the generosity of our donors and the hard work of our dedicated team, we have been able to implement sustainable programmes that uplift individuals and families from poverty, giving them dignity and the opportunity to build better futures,” he said.
Prince Olagunju said “your tireless efforts in highlighting our activities, showcasing success stories, and shedding light on societal challenges have helped us reach more people and inspire greater participation in the noble cause of giving.”
Of course, there’s need for more awareness creation about the importance and essence of Zakat and Sadaqat. Kudos to those who are paying their Zakat regularly and also a wake-up call to those who are yet to be doing so judiciously. We must realise the fact that it’s only a culture of charitable giving that can drive sustainable development.
Reminiscing on the 25 years of media partnership in promoting humanitarian work, the pioneer Executive Director of the foundation, Dr. Shuaib Abdullahi, said the relationship with the media at the beginning was that of convenience and not of conviction.
He, however, noted that the situation changed after about a decade, with media practitioners understanding the essence of zakat work and the need to go beyond pecuniary gains before reporting activities of the foundation.
Paying our Zakat is a sign of obedience to Allah the Most-High and a show of love for humanity. Not only in the glorious month of Ramadan but can be paid anytime of the year.
As Muslims, we must be very conscious of death always, know that we do not have control over our souls and thereby see wealth as ultimately belonging to Allah. But placed in our care to benefit us and humanity in general. The question is; why won’t we spend the money the way Allah wants?
Hence, we should not be greedy but be constantly involved in giving charity to tested and trusted foundation like ZSF to purify whatever Allah swt has endowed us with, hoping to gain multiple rewards here and the Hereafter.
The objective of Zakat, as emphasised in the glorious Qur’an, is a powerful means of purification and upliftment (Surah Al-Taubah 9:103). In that sense, Zakat washes away sins and impurities in the same way that Salaah washes away sins and impurities.
May Allah the Most-High, make it easy for each and every one of us to be able to do good always, uphold the pillars of Islam to reap bountiful rewards, Aameen Thuma Aameen. For more information, we can visit www.zsf.org.ng , zakatandsadaqat on all social media handles.
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