By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

As the blessed month of Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims turn their attention to one of its final acts of worship: Zakatul Fitr. More than just a charitable donation, this obligation is a profound act of purification and social solidarity, completing the spiritual journey of the month. Its performance, guided by clear prophetic traditions, ensures that its spiritual and social objectives are beautifully fulfilled.

Zakatul Fitr is a duty incumbent upon every Muslim who possesses the means beyond their basic needs for themselves and their family. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) clearly established this, declaring: “The Messenger of Allah made Zakatul Fitr obligatory upon every Muslim—free or slave, male or female, young or old.” (Bukhari & Muslim).

This universality is a powerful reflection of Islam’s inclusive spirit. It ensures that every household that is able can participate in a collective act of compassion, supporting the less fortunate and weaving a tighter fabric of community care.

The amount set for Zakatul Fitr is one ṣā‘ of a household’s staple food. Classical scholars describe a ṣā‘ as a volume measure roughly equivalent to 2.5 to 3 kilograms of common food items like rice, wheat, dates, or barley. The head of the household is responsible for fulfilling this duty on behalf of all dependents, including children and those under their care. This system guarantees that every member of the community, even the youngest, contributes to uplifting the poor, reinforcing the principle of shared responsibility.

Timing is essential for Zakatul Fitr to achieve its intended purpose. The charity must be given before the Eid prayer. The Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed that it be distributed before people set out for the prayer, so that the needy may benefit from it in time to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with dignity and joy. Recognizing the logistical challenges of distribution, scholars permit giving the Zakat a day or two before Eid. This flexibility facilitates the process, ensuring it reaches those who need it most in a timely manner.

The primary recipients of Zakatul Fitr are the poor and the needy. By providing them with the means to partake in the Eid festivities, this charity prevents their social exclusion and transforms Eid into a genuine celebration for the entire community. It is a tangible expression of the principle that joy is meant to be shared.

In contemporary contexts, many scholars permit giving the equivalent monetary value, allowing recipients the flexibility to address their most pressing needs. This opinion is followed when it is deemed more beneficial, though the original Sunnah emphasizes the distribution of food.

Reflecting on Zakatul Fitr reveals the profound practical wisdom within Islam. It ensures that the intense worship of Ramadan does not remain a private spiritual exercise but instead culminates in a visible act of social responsibility. As believers conclude their month of fasting with gratitude to Allah for His blessings, they channel that gratitude into generosity toward others.

Thus, Zakatul Fitr stands as the final, defining gesture of Ramadan. It is a powerful symbol of personal purification, sincere compassion, and communal harmony, ensuring that the joy of Eid is not a private privilege but a shared blessing for all members of society.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal Government has officially declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on behalf of the Federal Government by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani.

In the statement, the Minister extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim Ummah for the successful completion of the Ramadan fasting period.

Tunji-Ojo encouraged the Muslim faithful to uphold the profound spiritual values fostered during the holy month. He emphasized the importance of sustaining the virtues of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice in their daily lives.

He also called on all Nigerians to leverage the festive occasion to offer special prayers for the nation’s continued peace, unity, and prosperity.

While wishing all Muslims a joyous and blessed Eid-el-Fitr, the Minister urged citizens to celebrate responsibly. He specifically encouraged acts of kindness and generosity towards the less privileged in society, embodying the spirit of the season.

The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s steadfast commitment to fostering national unity and promoting peaceful coexistence among the diverse communities in Nigeria.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

In a decisive response to Monday’s multiple bombings in Borno State, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the nation’s Service Chiefs to immediately relocate to Maiduguri to take direct control of security operations in the region.

The directive comes after coordinated attacks, suspected to have been carried out by Boko Haram terrorists around 7:25 pm, which resulted in the deaths of over 20 people and left more than 100 others injured.

President Tinubu issued the order while reacting to the tragic incidents shortly before his departure for a historic state visit to the United Kingdom. In a statement, he vowed that the Federal Government would not be cowed by terror.

“The recent news from Maiduguri, Borno State, is profoundly upsetting. I mourn those who lost their lives, sympathise with the injured, and stand in solidarity with the people of Borno during this challenging time,” the President said.

Describing the attacks as the “final desperate and frantic attempts” of criminals facing relentless pressure from the military, Tinubu reassured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to security.

“I want to make it categorically clear that these acts of terror are being carried out by elements trying to instil fear, as they are under constant pressure from our brave armed forces operating in various theatres. We will continue to intensify our efforts against all criminal elements, wherever they may be,” he stated.

The President commended the troops for repelling the assaults on military positions, praising their “courage and fighting spirit.” He reiterated that the terrorists would be defeated, noting that recent approvals for additional equipment and operational support following a security meeting last weekend were already being implemented.

“Our gallant military and civilian task forces will curtail and put them down,” Tinubu affirmed. “Just last weekend, during a security meeting with leaders of security and intelligence agencies, I approved additional equipment and operational support to enhance their capabilities. This effort is already in progress.”

Beyond the military directive, the President instructed emergency management agencies to ensure that the injured receive proper medical care. He concluded with a firm warning to the perpetrators.

“There is no place in Nigeria where terrorists will find safety. We will locate them, confront them, and completely defeat them. Nigeria will not succumb to fear.”