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Friday Sermon] Alleviating The Poverty And Hunger Through Zakat And Helping The Poor

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By Imam Murtadha Gusau
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
All praise is for Allah, we praise Him, we seek His help, we ask for His forgiveness, and we seek refuge with Allah from the evils of our own souls and the wickedness of our actions, whoever Allah guides, there is none that can lead him astray, and whoever Allah allows to go astray, there is none that can lead him to the right path.
I testify and bare witness that there is no deity worthy of worship in truth but Allah, alone, without any partners. And I testify and bare witness that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is His Servant and Messenger. As for what’s after:
Dear brothers and sisters! Know that, one of the most widespread and dangerous problems faced by humanity today is that of poverty, hunger and starvation. There is nothing more horrifying than the realisation that as we live our happy lives, millions of our fellow human beings live in hunger and face starvation. The majority of the world population today lives in poverty. It is clear that the world system we have set up today is unjust and inhumane.
One of the great reforms that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) brought was the rights and treatment of the poor, needy, less privilege and the widow. Prior to the advent of Islam (in Jahiliyyah), the pagan Arabs used to disregard the poor, they would look down on them, and could care less about them; the poor people were basically an insignificant portion of society that did not matter. However so, with the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) all that changed, the Muslims were obliged to look after the poor, and were required to spend of their wealth to help the poor out. For instance the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) taught the following:
“Narrated Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him): Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) said, “Allah said, ‘O son of Adam! Spend, and I shall spend on you.” [Al-Bukhari]
Respected servants of Allah! The basic meaning of this Prophetic Hadith was that Muslims should spend from their wealth in giving charity to the poor. This teaching of the Prophet (Peace be upon him), to spend and to give in charity, was a very common message that he would often give as we read in another Hadith:
“Narrated Haritha Bin Wahab (may Allah be pleased with him): I heard the Prophet (Peace be upon him) saying, “O people! Give in charity as a time will come upon you when a person will wander about with his object of charity and will not find anybody to accept it, and one (who will be requested to take it) will say, “If you had brought it yesterday, I would have taken it, but today I am not in need of it.”” [Al-Bukhari]
As mentioned earlier, the poor people of the time were completely disregarded, especially by the elite of society, those at the top of society, the very wealthy, did not care at all for the poor people, and they would look down on them. So what did the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) say in this regard? The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) specifically commanded the wealthy people to give in charity and gave a very dire warning to them if they didn’t do so:
“Narrated Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him): Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) said: “Whoever is made wealthy by Allah and does not pay the Zakat of his wealth, then on the Day of Resurrection his wealth will be made like a bald-headed poisonous male snake with two black spots over the eyes. The snake will encircle his neck and bite his cheeks and say, ‘I am your wealth, I am your treasure.’” [Al-Bukhari]
So the above Hadith was a warning to the wealthy people of the consequences of not looking after the poor and giving in charity. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) also taught the following about wealthy people giving in charity:
“Narrated Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “The best charity is that which is practiced by a wealthy person. And start giving first to your dependents.” [Al-Bukhari]
In a longer version of this Hadith we read:
“Narrated Hakim Bin Hizam (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “The upper hand is better than the lower hand (i.e. he who gives in charity is better than him who takes it). One should start giving first to his dependents. And the best object of charity is that which is given by a wealthy person (from the money which is left after his expenses). And whoever abstains from asking others for some financial help, Allah will give him and save him from asking others, Allah will make him self-sufficient.” [Al-Bukhari]
So the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) taught the best of charity is the one given by those who are rich, the wealthy people. The reason for this was because the Prophet wanted to give a very strong incentive for the rich to start giving in charity, something they didn’t really care about before. As well as this it was also to show the great reform of society, that now, the rich of society are giving for the poor, unlike before, when they could care less about the poor precisely because they were rich.
We also read in another Hadith, what the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) would do when he encountered poor people:
“Narrated Abu Burdah Bin Abu Musa (may Allah be pleased with him): That his father said, “Whenever a beggar came to Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) or he was asked for something, he (Peace be upon him) used to say (to his companions), “Help and recommend him and you will receive the reward for it; and Allah will bring about what He will through His Prophet’s tongue.” [Al-Bukhari]
So whenever the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) would encounter with a poor person, he would tell his companions to help and give for that person, and they would be rewarded for it. The Prophet would not simply ignore them and let them be, as would have been the custom of the time, rather he gave advise and teaching to his companions to help these people.
And in another Hadith we also read the following;
“Narrated Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “The one who looks after a widow or a poor person is like a Mujahid (warrior) who fights for Allah’s Cause, or like him who performs prayers all the night and fasts all the day.” [Al-Bukhari]
So the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) compared the one who looks after a poor person, with the one who fights in the cause of Allah Almighty. As everyone knows, the one who fights in the cause of Allah has a very high place and status in Islam, it is one of the highest honours one can have, yet the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) explicitly states that a person who looks after a poor person is like the one who fights in the cause of Allah Almighty. Thus one can see the very high value and importance Islam attaches to helping and looking after the poor. This teaching is a major incentive and motivation for the people to take care, and to look after the poor.
Indeed what a great reform the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) brought! Now if all of us around the world could follow these teachings in regards to the poor people, then this would be a much better place!
Dear brothers and sisters! The religion of Islam is the complete code of life. Islam teaches us to treat all mankind with love, respect, and honour as Almighty Allah commanded us to do so. As mentioned earlier, one of the most widespread problems is poverty, hunger, and starvation that most of the human beings facing in these days. Allah Almighty loves those who help poor and needy people for getting His pleasure. Allah Almighty says in the Noble Qur’an:
“And in their wealth is a recognised right. For the (needy) who asks and the one who is deprived.” [Qur’an, 70:24-25]
Helping poor and needy by giving charity is considered as one of the virtuous acts in Islam. Religion of Islam warns those who cloak and save their wealth and don’t spend for the cause of Allah or in His way. Allah says in the Qur’an for these people:
“It is not (only) righteousness that you turn your faces towards East or West (in Prayer). But the righteousness is to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Prophets, and to give of your wealth out of love for Him, to your kin and orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves…” [Qur’an, 2:177]
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) brought the rights and treatment of the poor which was the greatest reform in the society. Muslims are obliged to look after the poor and needy people, and required to spend of their wealth to help the poor out for the sake of Allah Almighty.
Almighty Allah will punish those on the Judgment Day who accumulate their wealth without giving the due right to the poor and needy people. Allah Almighty says in the Noble Qur’an:
“And those who hoard up gold and silver and do not spend in the Path of Allah then warn them of the painful torment.” [Qur’an, 9:34]
Respected brothers and sisters! In order to eliminate poverty from the society, Islam imposes the structure of Zakat. Allah Almighty commanded us to treat the resulting problems stemming from poverty such as theft, murder, kidnapping, terrorism and attacking people and taking their property unjustly by eliminating poverty from the society. Moreover, helping poor and needy people through charity revives the mutual social welfare and support among members of the society.
Imam As-Sakhawi said:
“Easing other people’s grief is one of the most beneficial good acts with Allah.”
Lastly, I urge all of you to remember the whole Ummah in your precious Du’as, especially in this blessed month of Ramadan.
Allah surely knows best and he is the Lords of the universe and May his peace and blessing be on his Messenger, his family, his companions and those who follow them.
I ask Allah, the Most High to grant us success and enable us to be correct in what we say and write, ameen.
Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761.
This Jumu’ah Khutbah (Friday sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Ramadan 14, 1443 A.H. (April 15, 2022).

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Gombe Approves 2025 SSCE Fees for Over 20,000 Students

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The Gombe State Executive Council (SEC), presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has approved the sum of 580 million for the payment of registration fees for over 20,000 students sitting for various Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) in 2025 across the state.

This was announced by the Commissioner of Information, Culture and Ethical orientation, Hon. Mijinyawa Ardo Tilde, when he led other council members for a press briefing after the 45th executive council of the State.

Speaking further on the council’s approval for the payment of the SSCE, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Aishatu Umar Maigari, stated that the Gombe State Government has consistently funded SSCE payments since 2019 to ease parents’ financial burdens and ensure indigent students complete their secondary education without obstacles.

“Today, at the council meeting, approval was granted for the payment of registration fees for various Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) for 20,477 students across the state. Out of this number, fees were paid for 18,723 indigent students for WAEC, 110 students under the Exchange Programme Officer, 58 students from Special Schools, 1,368 students for NABTEB, and 219 students from Arabic colleges for NBAIS”, the Commissioner stated.

“The total amount approved for this year’s SSCE is N580,870,900. This amount will be shared between the state and local governments. Let me also reemphasize that the payment of SSCE fees has been an annual practice of this administration since 2019, and is aimed at alleviating the financial burden on parents and ensuring that our students across the state have the opportunity to complete their secondary education,” the Commissioner added.

The commissioner further stated that before Governor Inuwa’s led administration came on board, only 23% of students who sat for various SSCE exams obtained five credits, including English and Mathematics, saying with the continuous reforms in the education sector and the increased annual payment of SSCE fees, the number has risen to about 70%.

In a related development, the Education Commissioner announced council’s approval for a new sanitation roadmap in schools and healthcare facilities aimed at improving hygiene and environmental standards across the state.

She explained that the roadmap seeks to ensure regular sanitation exercises in public schools and healthcare centers, stating that the initiative will compliment the monthly sanitation exchange being conducted during the last Saturday of every month to enhance a healthier environment.

To ensure adherence to the provisions of the new roadmap by all public institutions, the Commissioner announced council’s composition of a committee which include the Commissioner of Environment, Water and Forest Resources as Chairman, while Commissioner for Education and the Commissioner of Health are to serve as members with the mandate to ensure increased supervision on the schools and healthcare facilities as well as government offices.

In another development, the commissioner of Works, Housing and Transport, Engr. Usman Maijama Kallamu, announced the council’s approval of N530,770,128 for the procurement of furniture for the newly completed Sharia Court of Appeal in the State in order to immediately put the edifice into use.

 

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House of Representatives Passes Tax Reform Bills

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The House of Representatives has passed for second reading of the four Tax Reform Bills submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.

These bills—the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill—seek to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and improved revenue collection.

The tax reform bills scaled second reading after five months of consultations among lawmakers, during which critical concerns were addressed to achieve consensus on contentious provisions.

During deliberations, legislators emphasized that the proposed reforms would harmonize tax administration, eliminate multiple taxation, and create a structured framework for tax dispute resolution.

The bills also propose the establishment of an ombudsman system to expedite tax-related conflicts between taxpayers and the government.

Expected impact of the tax reforms 

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The lawmakers noted that the reforms are aimed at:

Expanding the tax base by integrating more businesses and individuals into the formal tax system.

Ensuring uniform tax policies across different levels of government to prevent arbitrary levies.

Enhancing tax collection efficiency, reducing revenue leakages, and improving government earnings.

Promoting ease of doing business by simplifying tax compliance processes for businesses.

Call for judicious revenue utilization 

While supporting the bills, lawmakers advocated for the prudent application of tax revenues by all tiers of government. Some legislators raised concerns over revenue mismanagement and lack of accountability in tax utilization, urging the executive to ensure that increased tax revenue translates into improved infrastructure, social services, and economic development.

With the second reading secured, the bills will now proceed to the committee stage, where lawmakers will fine-tune provisions before a final vote. Stakeholder engagements, including input from tax experts, business leaders, and government agencies, are expected to shape the final versions of the bills before they are passed into law.

What you should know 

Earlier, the Northern Governors’ Forum, chaired by Gombe State Governor Muhammed Inuwa Yahaya, earlier opposed the derivation-based VAT distribution model.

In a communiqué, the forum argued that the proposal undermines the interests of the North and other sub-national regions.

Despite this opposition, President Tinubu encouraged governors and stakeholders to engage in the legislative process.

The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, also addressed concerns, noting that the current VAT distribution model is unfair not only to Northern states but also to all geopolitical zones.

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Breaking:Dangote Refinery Reduces Diesel Price

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Aliko Dangote

Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has reduced the cost of its diesel product to N1,020 per litre, down from N1,075 per litre at the gantry price, in an effort to better serve its customers and Nigerians in general.

Since it began diesel production in January 2024, the refinery has reduced the price of diesel more than three times, from an initial N1,700 per litre to the current rate, thus providing much-needed relief to manufacturers and consumers alike.

The latest reduction of N55 per litre for diesel follows the revelation by Development Economist and Public Policy Analyst, Prof. Ken Ife, that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery sacrificed over N10 billion to ensure the availability of petrol at a uniform price across the country during the yuletide period. He also praised the refinery for setting a new benchmark in Nigeria’s energy sector by unlocking vast opportunities for export revenue.

Speaking on the transformative impact of the refinery on Arise TV, Prof. Ife explained that for years, the equalisation fund had been responsible for managing the price differentials and transportation costs involved in distributing petroleum across the country. However, it has been reported that the fund owes marketers over N80 billion, according to the development analyst.

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“What has actually happened is that the president has shifted the subsidy burden away from the public purse and onto the private sector. The equalisation fund, which was meant to cover the price differential and transportation costs, plays a crucial role. If petroleum is to be sold across the country at a set price, then transportation costs must be accounted for to ensure this is possible. That’s the purpose of equalisation. However, the equalisation fund is reported to owe around N80 billion to the marketers, and this issue is still under discussion.

“During the Christmas season, which is traditionally the most challenging period, we often face shortages of petroleum, petrol hoarding, and arbitrary price hikes, all of which impact the cost of food. In response, during this last yuletide, the Dangote Group made the decision to absorb the costs. They equalised the price themselves, at a cost of over N10 billion. In doing so, they effectively absorbed the subsidy,” he said.

Prof Ife also said the facility is steering Nigeria away from its traditional focus on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) towards a diversified range of petroleum-based exports.

He added that with major international players such as BP and Saudi Aramco purchasing refined products from Nigeria, the country is swiftly becoming a key player in the global petroleum market. The analyst expressed confidence that Nigeria is on the path to self-sufficiency in petroleum products, while simultaneously positioning itself as an energy export powerhouse.

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