From Vanguad news;
Various Islamic scholars have dismissed the notion being held by some
Muslims that poverty engenders piety, stressing that just as begging is
antithetical to Islam, there is no correlation between poverty and piety.
The scholars advised Muslims not to be laid back, but work hard, help
each other through the institution of zakaat, avoid inordinate pursuit of
wealth and shun all what constitute haram in the quest of means of
livelihood.
These were the highlights of different papers delivered by different
Islamic scholars during a workshop themed: “Between Piety and
Poverty”, organised by Lekki Muslim Ummah, LEMU, held at Vice
Admiral Jubrila Ayinla Multipurpose Hall, Lekki Central Mosque
Complex, Lagos, recently.
Chief Imam,Lekki Muslim Ummah, Sheikh RidwanJamiu, spoke on
“Essentials of Piety”, while the Head of the Department of Insurance
and Actuarial Science, University of Lagos, Dr. Tajudeen Yusuf
presented a paper on: “Is Poverty an Islamic Virtue?”. Also, Dr. Jubril
Salahudeen, delivered a lecture on: “Practical Ways of Alleviating/
Eradicating Poverty” just as Ustadh Nojeem Jimoh and Alhaji Niyi
Akinlusi discussed the various presentations.
Sheikh Jamiu stated that poverty was not a sign or correlation of piety,
adding that Allah never praised anyone in the Qur’an for being poor;
rather, He rather praises those who give. “Those who spend their
wealth in the Cause of Allah, and do not follow up their gifts with
reminders of their generosity or with injury, their reward is with their
Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.”Q2:262
Dr. Tajudeen Yusuf, in his pedagogical approach held the audience
spellbound as he charged Muslims and well meaning individuals to
improve the welfare of indigent Muslims and care for the have not
adding that poverty is never an Islamic virtue.
Dr. Jubril Salahudeen in his own presentation surmised that Muslims
could legitimately increase their earnings and eradicate poverty in their
lives through legitimate means as approved by Allah. Salahudeen who
described himself as a man with humble background said any Muslim
who has the fear of Allah, seek forgiveness of sins, contentment,
regularly worship Allah, engage in commerce and agriculture and
ensure prompt payment of zakaat will not only alleviate poverty but be
rewarded by Allah.
Speaking earlier, the President of Lekki Muslim Ummah (LEMU), Alhaji
Sulaimon Adebayo Alabi said, the topic was specifically chosen to
address the erroneous notion being held by some Muslims that poverty
engenders piety and the inordinate pursuit of wealth by others.
“These two extreme positions are obviously antithetical to Islam. Yet,
many still indulge in both extremisms. Accordingly, we want to seize
the opportunity of this workshop to debunk the two extreme positions
and offer a solution,” he said.
Meanwhile, Alabi disclosed that as part of its contributions to the
growth and development of Islam, the LEMU on-going N70 million
Madrasah Building Project will soon be completed, adding that Creche,
Nursery, and primary classes, based strictly on Islamic ideals and
standards will begin in September.
and Islamic studies centre in September.
