TheCable

Pious Muslim Women (PMW), a non-governmental organisation, says it distributed alms worth N13.5 million to Muslims during the month of Ramadan.

This year’s Ramadan, which lasted for 30 days, ended on Saturday while Eid-il-Fitr was celebrated on Sunday.

Alms giving, also called Zakat in Islam, is a religious obligation for Muslim faithfuls who meet the necessary criteria of wealth.

In a statement, Hamdallat Yusuf, the group founder, said PMW exceeded its target of N10 million to N13.5 million alms given to Muslim faithfuls during the fasting period.

She said members of the group also contributed N13 million used for the Ramadan feeding programme.

Yusuf commended PMW members for their commitment and contributions.

She prayed for divine healing upon the world concerning the coronavirus pandemic, and called on members of the public to follow guidelines provided by authorities in order to eradicate the virus.

“Pious Muslim Women hereby felicitates with all fellow Muslims on this joyous occasion of Eid ul Fitri celebrations. It is our sincere prayer in the group that Allah should accept all our siyaam, qiyaam, qirah and sadaqah,” the statement read.

“Pious Muslim Women is quite mindful of the uniqueness of this year’s celebration which remains unmatched in sobriety to any living human being. To the PMW, this uniqueness is another manifestation of Allah’s inimitable might which requires our prayers and appreciation at the same time, as enjoined by the Islamic philosophy.

“On our part, for exceeding our target of ₦10m to ₦13.5m saadaqah and zakat or alms given to our brothers and sisters this 1441AH Ramadan, we cannot thank Allah enough.

“We equally beseech Him for more of His limitless favours. In particular, we request specially that He should cast away the gloom of Covid-19 with its chain of global tragedies and palpable fear. Nonetheless, we rejoice with all of our brethren on this Eid ul fitri festival. We also pray to be alive for many more of it.

“We also thank our wonderful members worldwide, who contributed about ₦13m to ensure a successful Ramadan Feeding Programme. We pray that Allah repay you in multiple folds and grant your requests.

“Pious enjoins everyone to continue to abide by the social distancing rule and avoid situations that could jeopardise their health and the health of others. May Allah heal the world and grant us His forgiveness.”