The Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammad Iliyasu-Bashir, has distributed millet grains as `Zakat’ (charity) to 200 widows and orphans in Shiyar Fada area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that `Zakat’ is a form of charity or alms-giving which is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is either done in cash or offered in form of food items.
It is obligatory for every wealthy Muslim to purify his or her wealth and seek blessings from Allah by giving `Zakat’ to the vulnerable.
The Chief Imam of Kebbi Government House, Malam Umar Salah, distributed the grains on behalf of the emir in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.
“The emir directed that the `zakat’ be given to the widows and orphans whom are regarded as vulnerable and less-privileged in the society.
“This will assist them to cushion the effects of the hardships and challenges they face as specified by the teachings of Islam,’’ Salah said.
He said that the beneficiaries were only drawn from Shiyar Fada area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government.
According to him, these widows and orphans from the area find means of livelihood difficult and need assistance.
Salah said each of the 200 beneficiaries would get 18 bowls or ‘mudu’ of millet.
“Payment of `Zakat’ is compulsory in Islam; it is not optional,” he said.
The chief imam, who commended the emir for the gesture, urged the beneficiaries to feed their families from the gift.
One of the beneficiaries, Malama Hauwa’u Bala, thanked the emir for the donation and prayed God to further enrich him.
NAN reports that the distribution was done in collaboration with the state Committee for `Zakat’. (NAN)
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