A lecturer from the Department of Economics at the Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Dr Abdullah Lamido, has called for the use of waqf (Islamic endowment) to tackle poverty in Nigeria.
The don made the call at the 22nd Annual National Unity Ramadan Lecture of the Al-Habibiyya Islamic Society of Nigeria, themed “Poverty: The Islamic Solution” which was held at the Al Habibiyah Islamic Centre, Guzape, Abuja.
Lamido, while decrying the high poverty rate in Nigeria, stated that proper implementation of Islamic Endowment (waqf) could significantly address the country’s economic challenges just as he described waqf as a charitable endowment of property or assets for religious purposes, aimed at benefiting the less privileged in society.
He emphasised the role of economic empowerment, charity, and wealth creation in Islam as essential tools for societal development. He noted that Islam encourages economic prosperity to ensure access to basic necessities such as shelter, education, healthcare, and sanitation.
Quoting some verses from the Glorious Quran, the guest speaker urged Muslims to seek Allah’s bounties through lawful earnings while supporting the less privileged for a just and egalitarian society.
“There is no place in the Quran or Sunnah where poverty is encouraged. Islam commands Muslims to work and seek sustenance while also supporting the less privileged through zakat, voluntary charity, and waqf,” he said.
He emphasised that the Quran contains more verses on wealth, trade, and charity than on prayer, highlighting the importance of financial stability in worship. He urged wealthy individuals and elites to invest in waqf as a sustainable solution for poverty alleviation, education and healthcare development in Nigeria.
The national chief Imam of Al-Habibiyya Islamic Society, Fuad Adeyemi, called on Muslims to embrace Islamic economic principles such as waqf to combat poverty as he stressed the need for self-reliance and economic independence through Islamic teachings, advocating for locally driven solutions.
He said, “We cannot keep searching for solutions outside when Islam has already provided them. Instead of blaming the government, we should establish systems rooted in Islamic teachings to help us overcome poverty.”
The cleric, however, assured that Al-Habibiyya remains committed to initiatives like waqf to address Nigeria’s poverty crisis.
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