By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The Late Nasidi Masjid Islamic Foundation in Lokoja on Monday donated food items and textile materials to widows and orphans in the Society to serve as succour for them and their families during the Ramadan fasting culminating in the Eid-el-Fitr.
The gesture was the second edition of the Foundation’s annual Ramadan package for widows and orphans.
Speaking at the event which took place at Late Nasidi Masjid in Hangwuan-Kura street, Lokoja, the guest lecturer, Makam Mansur Nayashi, said; “Nigeria’s security and socio-economic challenges can be effectively resolved if widows and orphans are well catered for.
“Taking care of the needy or the Orphan and widows, we not only help the society in general but there is also a great reward from Allah (SWT) both in this world and the hereafter.
“According to a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), one who cares for widows and the poor is like those who fight in the way of Allah or those who spend their days fasting and their nights praying,” Nayashi preached.
He then commended the organizers and donors for the annual Ramadan donations to the needy.
In his own remarks, the Executive Director of the foundation who is also the Hakimi of ward ‘D’, Makam Isah Nasidi, said reaching out to widows, orphans and the less privilege in the Society and organizing skill acquisition programme for the unemployed, are part of the annual welfare programmes of Late Nasidi Masjid Islamic Foundation.
“We presented food items to the widows among us to serve as succour for them during the Holy month of Ramadan. The widows like the vulnerable, need lots of help and this is our own little way as an Islamic organisation to reach out to the vulnerable and the less privileged among us. Even if we can’t help all of them, we reached out to those we can to enable them have an easier and enjoyable Ramadan and Sallah celebration.
“We urge the beneficiaries to accept the food items like that, and make the best use of it. May Allah accept our Ramadan fasting, ease our affairs and grant us all a place in Aljannah. We implore our members to continue to contribute more and to reach out more to the less privilege around them especially during the Ramadan season. May Allah reward all of us. Aamin,” he said.
In his own remarks, Alhaji Musa Tenimu Nasidi, a veteran journalist and community leader noted that this year’s edition was the second in the series, adding that the idea was not to leave orphans and widows, who have lost their breadwinners, to fend for themselves.
He disclosed that the money that was raised via a minimal one thousand naira individual donation was with a target to reach 1,000 widows.
He urged public officials to key into the project for the sake of humanity and their souls, saying no one can estimate the ills that could be prevented when the number of indigent persons in our midst is reduced.
The beneficiaries thanked Late Nasidi Masjid Islamic Foundation for the gesture, while praying that Allah will reward the Foundation and its members abundantly. They equally prayed Allah to accept the fast of the members and those who contributed to their well being.
Below are some pictures captured at the event:
