The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has restated the commitment of traditional leaders in supporting human development.
The Sultan made this known at the launch of distribution of district Zakkat for the year 1438AH at Gidan Madi town, headquaters of Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The monarch said traditional leaders would remain focused toward assisting
the needy in the society.
He added that “as leaders, we would continue to join hands with Zakkat and Endowment Commission and the Sokoto State Government, as they work toward human development.”
Abubakar also urged wealthy individuals to channel their Zakkat through the commission for onward delivery to the needy.
He said “Zakkat is an obligatory duty on every wealthy Muslim in the society, it needs to be well channeled for proper distribution among the needy.
“Wealthy individuals should always ensure the right channel is followed to actualise the purpose of giving out Zakkat, as enshrined in the teachings of Islam.”
The sultan called on Islamic scholars to continue to call for support to the less privileged in the society and commended the Sokoto State Government for commitment in ensuring the success of the commission’s activities.
The sultan, who again urged the needy to shun street begging, noted that such act had no base in the teachings of Islam.
Gov. Aminu Tambuwal assured of more government’s commitment to ensure the success of every activity that involved human development in the state.
Tambuwal, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Abdullahi Maigwandu, said government would not relent in its efforts to improve living standards of the people.
He said “Zakkat is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is an obligatory assignment, as such we will continue to ensure the commission is successful in conducting its assignment”.
The Chairman of the commission, Malam Lawal Maidoki, commended the Sokoto State Government and the Sultan’s Council for the dedication and commitment in ensuring the success of the commission’s activities.
The District Head of Gidan Madi, Alhaji Shehu Sarki, said members of the community had been able to gather two cows, four sheep and 140 bags of millet as Zakkat, to be distributed to the needy. (NAN)