Dr. Aliyu Dahiru Muhammad, Deputy Director, Training & Linkages, International Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance, Bayero University Kano discussed with WebTV on ways citizens could help one another during this novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crises.
The finance expert believed that bank interest rates on loans is one of the major destructive sins that could result in mortal challenges such as COVID-19.
He noted that Zakat, on the other hand, is one of the good deeds that wipe off evil, and brings about the blessings and mercy of Allah to a society.
“Good deeds help to, consciously and unconsciously, keep our lives healthy all the time,” he noted.
Muhammad noted that, on Sunday 22nd March, 2020, the Kazaure Zakat Committee, Jigawa State distributed Zakat to beneficiaries as enshrined in the Holy Quran.
Speaking further, Dr Muhammad said the Chairman, Kazaure Emirate Council, presented his report for the total collection and distribution for the year under review.
Dr. Aliyu asserted that the Chairman reported a total of zakat worth N34, 401, 800 was collected and distributed in the nine districts of the emirates.
Part of the contributions was N2,750,000 were cash while the rest were agricultural produce and few animals. The amount was distributed to 16,474 beneficiaries of the area.
The Rorau district came first in terms of collection and distribution with a little above N6 million, thus, won the 2019 trophy and other awards.
Similarly, Roni and Karkarna districts that took the second and third positions, bagged awards from the Zakat Committee as well as the Chairman of Gwiwa Local Government.
Muhammadu noted the creation of AZAWON which was mandated to promote Zakat and Waqf across the country.
The finance lecturer called on wealthy Nigerians to fear Allah and pay their Zakat as at when due. He assured noted that the Islamic injunction of Zakat (alms to the needy, especially at a critical time of a global viral pandemic) would bless the rich in society.
According to the lecturer, in countries where COVID-19 has necessitated lockdowns, philanthropists have provided support in the form of cooked food (3 square meals) and the provision of essential commodities.
Source Proshare