By Yemi Itodo


National Chief Imam of the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Imam Fuad Adeyemi, has said the society would feed at least 2,000 indigent Muslims during the Eid-el-Fitr, which marks the end of the month long Ramadan fasting.

Imam Fuad said the feeding on Salah day was part of its “feed the indigent” progamme.

Imam, in a statement in Abuja on Monday July 3rd said the 'feed indigent' programme which it does on salah day, caps the month long iftar programme during which the society served more that 60,000 meals during the holy month of Ramadan, to people who broke their fast in the mosque.

“What we want to achieve with the feed the indigent programme is to provide hot fresh food to people who ordinarily might not be able to provide for themselves. As you know we have been fasting for one month and we know not everyone can afford to have such fresh meal.

"So we try to support them, let them also feel the ambience of the festive season", He said.

He added that, “this feed the indigent programme, does not, however replace the zakatul fitr. Zakat al-Fitr is the mandatory charity taken for the poor by those who can afford it, a few days before the end of fasting in the Islamic holy month of Ramadan”

Imam Fuad, while citing quran 76 verse 8, quoted Allah as saying, "And they give food, out of love for Him, to the poor and the orphan and the captive, [saying] “We feed you, for Allah’s pleasure only — We desire from you neither reward nor thanks. Surely we fear from our Lord a stern, distressful day.”

He also cited the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (saw), as compiled by Tirmidhi, as saying, “O people, exchange greetings of peace (As-Salamu ‘Alaikum to one another), feed people, strengthen the ties of kinship, and be in prayer when others are asleep, you will enter Jannah in peace.”

He called on Muslims to also pay the annual zakat, which is a purification of their wealth.

Imam Fuad said, "Islam provides different avenues for social services and caring for those who are less privileged", challenging Muslims to comply with such provisions to reduce inequalities in the society.