NAN-H-50
Charity
Omu-Aran (Kwara) Aug. 4, 2017 (NAN) A Muslim Cleric, Sheikh Sodiq Afolayan has advised wealthy Nigerians, especially Muslims to extend hands of fellowship to the less privileged in the society.
Afolayan who is the Chief Imam of Omu-Aran Central Mosque, gave the advice in a sermon he delivered on Friday during the Juma’at service.
He said that recent development in the county had posed challenges on wealthy individuals to extend their hands of assistance to the needy and downtrodden.
The cleric said Islam through revelation in the Holy Quran enjoined Muslims to always assist the poor, adding that reward awaits those who spent their wealth on alms and charity.
Afolayan said the country could only achieve the desired change and socio-economic transformation when the citizens imbibe the spirit of being their brothers’ keepers.
He said that the economic recession in the country had reduced the purchasing power of the people.
“It is only the collective efforts of stakeholders that will provide comfortable living for widows, orphans, destitute and other people in such category
“These are categories of Nigerians deserved our sympathy and hands of support and assistance to feel a sense of belonging.
“There will always be room for wealthy individuals and groups to complement the activities of government, particularly at the grassroots, as government alone cannot provide for all the basic social amenities.
“Caring for the poor and the under privileged is an act of humility for they will always exist in every society,’’ the cleric said.
Afolayan urged government at all levels to give priority to poverty reduction and unemployment to ensure better society. (NAN)
ISHO/MO/AEA
===========
Edited by Akin Makanjuola/Archibong Asuquo