Ramadan: Scholar urges rich Muslims to assist indigents

Ramadan

By Mujidat Oyewole

Ilorin, April 25, 2020 (NAN) An Islamic scholar, Prof. AbdulRazzak Alaro, has called on wealthy Muslims to assist the poor, as the COVID-19 lockdown has impoverished more people in the society.

Alaro, who is a lecturer at the University of Ilorin, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Ilorin, Kwara.

He said that assisting the poor and less privileged “is rewarding, especially during this month of Ramadan’’.

He said that the lockdown, ordered by the government, was necessary in order to curtail further spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

“But, the lockdown should not prevent people from assisting the needy as good acts can be done in various ways and manners,’’ he said.

Alaro recalled that the Saudi Arabia government had announced that there would be no visa for visitation and performance of hajj and umrah, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This year’s Umrah that is fast approaching, will not be possible.

“The two Holy Mosques in Makkah (Kaaba) and Medina have been locked and everybody has been asked to pray at home,’’ he said.

Alaro, however, said that the reward of this year’s hajj and umrah will not be denied, saying that people can earn the reward by helping the poor in a distinct way.

“If the rich can feed the poor and improve their livelihood to a large extent, they will be rewarded and will have the opportunity to observe their hajj and umrah next year, God willing.

“We pray that the COVID-19 pandemic and every other diseases would have gone totally by next year,’’ he said.

The scholar, therefore urged people, who have saved money for hajj and umrah, to help the needy with what they have saved, adding that they would still get the reward as having performed the hajj or umrah.

“The lockdown has caused many people a lot of things, making some people experience extreme poverty and hunger.

“Many people are used to daily paid jobs for their survival

“People are really hungry and suffering.

“I pray that Almighty Allah should not make us experience such difficulty and ease the suffering of the sick and the needy,’’ Alaro prayed.

He prayed that Almighty Allah should have mercy on all mankind and drive away the coronavirus and every other sickness from the face of the earth.

NAN reports that Ramadan fasting began on Friday, April 24, during which Muslims are expected to fast for 29 or 30 days of the month. (NAN)

MOB/KTO/AIB

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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Abdulfatah Babatunde