The Imam of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Uthman Ibrahim, has tasked Muslims with kindness and goodness to humanity, irrespective of religion.
Ibrahim, of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, UI, gave the charge at a seminar organised by The Rightly Guided Foundation (TRGF) in Ibadan on Saturday.
The seminar, entitled “Reawakening the Decaying Spirit of Charity and Humanity”, was organised in collaboration with The Merciful Foundation and Mumineen Relief, both based in the United States.
The Imam said that Islam was not only about worship.
“It is a combination of worship, kindness, compassion for humanity and good deeds.
“I, therefore, urge all of us to take this important aspect of Islam very seriously by caring for our fellow human beings and even other creatures, including animals.
“We must show kindness and goodness to all,” he said.
He further called on rich Muslims to assist the less privileged and pay Zakat to reduce poverty among Muslims and society in general.
He said there would be a big difference in society if wealthy Muslims paid Zakat and observed other obligations in Islam.
In his remarks, the seminar’s Chairman, Dr Ademola Munir, reiterated that Islam has already provided guidance on ways to tackle poverty through Zakat distribution to needy Muslims.
Munir said Zakat payment, which was made compulsory for wealthy Muslims, has, however, been neglected, thus increasing poverty in Nigeria and the world in general.
The chairman commended the foundation for organising the seminar to reawaken the Muslim spirit to assisting the needy and expressing kindness to everyone, irrespective of religion.
“Many Muslims have become complacent and, in a way, lost that spirit of collective responsibility,” he said.
Earlier, the TRGF Chief Operating Officer, Malam Ibrahim Bello, said the seminar was organised to remind Muslims of their responsibilities in areas of Zakat payment, charity, and good deeds, among others.
Bello said the foundation’s activities include the collection and distribution of Zakat, charity, foodstuffs and cash distribution to needy Muslims.
He added that the foundation has always been responsible for the payment of JAMB and WAEC fees, Ramadan feeding, among others.
He, therefore, called on wealthy Muslims to pay their Zakat to the foundation for onward distribution to the needy in society.
Credit: NAN
