Independent Zakat Foundation Clarifies Distinction from Lagos Central Mosque Amid Public Confusion

In response to recent confusion sparked by a publication in The Nation Newspaper, the Ibile Muslims Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation has issued a clarifying statement regarding its relationship with the Lagos Central Mosque.

The article, written by Alhaji Sikiru Macfoy on behalf of the Lagos Central Mosque, appeared on Friday, June 25th, 2024, and mistakenly implied a connection between the two entities. The Foundation swiftly addressed the misconception, emphasizing its independence.

According to the Foundation in a letter dated 30th June, 2024 and signed by Nasir Giwa, Secretary BoT, “Ibile Muslims Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation was not established by the Lagos Central Mosque or the Jamatul Muslimeen Council. Any liabilities or consequences from our actions are solely ours and not the Mosque’s,” stated a Foundation representative.

Founded by prominent Muslim residents across Lagos State’s five divisions, including the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos and the divisional Chief Imams, the Foundation is committed to the Islamic practice of Zakat. This obligatory charity aims to reduce economic disparity and promote wealth circulation.

“Zakat, alongside Sadaqat (voluntary charity) and Waqf (endowment), are powerful tools encouraged by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) for economic upliftment. Our transparent operations and public listing of our Board of Trustees reinforce our dedication to these principles,” the representative added.

With Lagos facing significant economic challenges, the Foundation was conceptualized to offer a structured approach to Zakat, ensuring aid reaches those in need. The Foundation stresses its mission to support indigent Lagosians through these divinely inspired socio-economic practices, devoid of any competition with other bodies.

The Foundation reaffirmed its independent operations and inviting the public to join in fulfilling their charitable obligations. This clarification aims to dispel any misunderstandings and highlight the Foundation’s pivotal role in fostering economic justice and social solidarity.

Read the full text of the letter below:

30th June 2024

RE: Notice to the General Public

The attention of the Ibile Muslims Community Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation has been drawn to a publication by Alhaji Sikiru Macfoy in the Nation Newspaper on Friday, June 25th, 2024, on behalf of the Lagos Central Mosque. The publication concerns our Foundation, Ibile Muslims Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation.

It is correct that Ibile was not established by the Lagos Central Mosque/Jamatul Muslimeen Council, and it was never intended that any liabilities or consequences arising from the Foundation’s actions be attributed to the Lagos Central Mosque.

The Ibile Muslims Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation is an independent entity, established, constituted, and registered by well-meaning and notable Muslim residents across the five divisions of Lagos State. This initiative is led by the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, the five divisional Chief Imams, and the Ratibis under them.

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and obligatory upon all Muslims who have the capacity to pay. Its essence is to promote a sustainable culture of wealth circulation within society, ensuring that everyone has immediate access to basic human necessities. This practice helps to reduce economic disparity and promote solidarity among people. Sadaqat and Waqf are established charitable acts encouraged by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and rewarded by Almighty Allah.

When implemented effectively through sound policies, these divinely inspired socio-economic institutions have the potential to transform the economic well-being of the people, leading to a future where poverty is drastically alleviated.

In view of the absence of a unifying body currently handling the issue of Zakat, Sadaqat, and Waqf in the State, and considering the present economic situation and poverty level among Muslims and many Lagosians, the Foundation was conceptualized and established. Its sole objective is to utilize Zakat, Sadaqat, and Waqf in accordance with Allah’s prescriptions in the Qur’an and the Sunnah to achieve its goals.

It is important to state that the activities of the Foundation are transparent. The members of our Board of Trustees are publicly listed on our website and social media handles, and our objectives are clear and legitimate.

We emphasize that the Foundation is not in competition with any body, group of persons, or organizations. It is established to provide an avenue for willing Muslims and other well-endowed residents across the five divisions of Lagos State to fulfill their obligations and reach out to indigent Lagosians.

This publication is made to categorically clarify that there is no link or connection between Ibile Muslims Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation and Lagos Central Mosque. We assure the public that the

Foundation is authentic, result-oriented, and dedicated to achieving the injunctions that Almighty Allah has placed on us as Muslims and well-meaning Nigerians.

We count on the support of goodhearted residents of Lagos across the five divisions for the Foundation’s objectives, for the benefit of Lagos Muslims, indigent Lagosians, and humanity at large.

We also reiterate that the public presentation of the Foundation is scheduled to be held on Saturday, July 6th, 2024, at the Main Auditorium, University of Lagos. We look forward to receiving all residents of Lagos State, our distinguished invited guests, and the executive council of Lagos Central Mosque.