Bauchi State Sharia Commission says it has collected and distributed N63.1 million and 1,089 livestock to deserving individuals and groups as Zakkat (Alms) in the past six years.
Yakubu Gero, Director of collection and distribution in the commission, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday in Bauchi.
Gero said the items were distributed to 40, 019 beneficiaries in Bauchi; Misau, Ningi, Das, Jama’are and Katagum Emirate Councils between 2014 and to date.
He added that 24, 401 bags of grain such as millet, maize, beans, sorghum and other produce were collected and distributed to the needy within the period under review.
Gero explained that Zakkat (Alms) is part of the cardinal principle of Islam aimed at poverty alleviation and ensuring equality among the faithfuls, stressing that Islamic jurisprudence outlines 8 categories of people to benefit from the institution.
He listed the beneficiaries to include the needy; poor, traveler, indebted persons who could not be able to settle the debt, freeing of a slave in the course of God, collectors and distributors of the Zakkat as well as those who embrace Islamic religion.
The director commended Gov. Bala Mohammed for providing the necessary logistics and support to the commission enabling it to operate without hindrance.
NAN reports that the commission had recently collected and distributed Alms to 489 deserving beneficiaries in Toro and Jama’are Local Government Areas of the state. (NAN)
