The Imam of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Uthman Ibrahim, has urged Muslims to show kindness and compassion to all humanity, irrespective of religion.
Ibrahim, from the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, UI, made the call at a seminar organised by The Rightly Guided Foundation (TRGF) in Ibadan on Saturday.
The seminar, titled “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 emphasised that Islam is 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 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 wealthy Muslims to assist the less privileged and pay their Zakat regularly to reduce poverty in society.
Ibrahim noted that society would be greatly transformed if wealthy Muslims faithfully paid Zakat and fulfilled other Islamic obligations.
In his remarks, the seminar chairman, Dr Ademola Munir, reiterated that Islam has provided clear guidelines for tackling poverty through Zakat distribution to the needy.
Munir, however, lamented that many wealthy Muslims have neglected Zakat payment, a compulsory act in Islam, thereby worsening poverty in Nigeria and beyond.
He commended the foundation for organising the seminar to revive the spirit of charity and kindness among Muslims towards everyone, regardless of religion.
“Many Muslims have become complacent and, in a way, lost that spirit of collective responsibility,” he said.
Earlier, TRGF Chief Operating Officer, Ibrahim Bello, said the seminar was designed to remind Muslims of their responsibilities regarding Zakat, charity, and good deeds.
Bello noted that the foundation’s activities include the collection and distribution of Zakat, foodstuffs, and cash to needy Muslims. He added that the foundation also pays JAMB and WAEC fees and provides Ramadan feeding, among others.
He called on wealthy Muslims to channel their Zakat through the foundation for effective distribution to the less privileged in society.
