Al-Habibiyyah advocates self-sustaining charity model

The National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Imam Fuad Adeyemi, has urged Muslims to unite in building a self-sustaining charitable organisation to support the needy. Speaking in Abuja during an inter-faith interaction on philanthropy, Adeyemi said Islamic organisations must strengthen the use of waqf (endowment) to provide organised funding for poverty alleviation. He said […]

The National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Imam Fuad Adeyemi, has urged Muslims to unite in building a self-sustaining charitable organisation to support the needy.

Speaking in Abuja during an inter-faith interaction on philanthropy, Adeyemi said Islamic organisations must strengthen the use of waqf (endowment) to provide organised funding for poverty alleviation.

He said traditional charities are overstretched due to global economic crises, citing recent cuts by international agencies such as USAID.

“Muslims are the source of philanthropy. We have waqf. Let’s revive it to create an organisation that will help the entire world,” he said.

Malam Abdulrahman Alalubosa said endowments have historically sustained communities, with wealthy Muslims donating farms and houses for public welfare.

He urged greater adoption of “cash waqf,” where pooled funds can be invested in halal businesses, with profits channelled to widows, orphans and the poor.

Alalubosa further advised the government to encourage Zakat (compulsory almsgiving) through tax deductions, as practiced in Malaysia, and ensure proper legal backing for transparent disbursement.

Other speakers said a coordinated, faith-based charity system would enhance social welfare and reduce dependence on foreign aid.