Charity in Islam: Sheikh Okin Urges Support for the Less Privileged During Ramadan

By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal

Charity remains a central tenet of Islam that should never be overlooked.

Guest Speaker, Sheikh Abdul-Muhmeen Raji Okin, at the annual Ijeododo Community Ramadan Lecture held at the Ijeododo King’s Palace in Lagos State.

Sheikh Okin emphasised that Zakatul-Fitr, typically given at the end of Ramadan by capable Muslims, is ordained by Allah to ensure that the less privileged can celebrate Eid with joy and abundance. He explained that Zakatul-Fitr can be given in the form of the most common food items within a community on the 28th, 29th, or 30th of Ramadan, or at the latest, on the morning of Eid before attending the Eid prayer.

The cleric further highlighted that Zakatul-Fitr not only brings happiness to the underprivileged on Sallah day but also elevates all acts of worship during Ramadan. He added that it can also be paid in monetary form equivalent to the value of the prescribed food.

Earlier in his remarks, the Oba Elect of Ijeododo Community, Chief Abdul-Jelil Abu Ododo, explained that the lecture aims to enlighten Muslims on Islamic teachings and, importantly, encourage charity, particularly toward the less fortunate.

The event concluded with the sharing of both cooked and raw food items among attendees. 

Dignitaries at the event included the Onishasha of Shasha, Oba Nasiru Lawal Ogunronbi, Onidimu of Idimu, Oba Noah Suraj’s Abinupagun, Chairman of Egbe Idimu LCDA, Prince Idris Balogun, among others.