Religious leaders urged to understand concept of philanthropy to tackle poverty

The Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society (AIS) has charged religious leaders to understand and imbibe the concept and culture of philanthropy, as part of measures to tackle poverty in the country. The organisation gave the charge in Abuja, during the formal openings of a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) for Religious Leaders on Philanthropy, with the theme: […]

The Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society (AIS) has charged religious leaders to understand and imbibe the concept and culture of philanthropy, as part of measures to tackle poverty in the country.

The organisation gave the charge in Abuja, during the formal openings of a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) for Religious Leaders on Philanthropy, with the theme: “Building Communities Though Sustainable Faith-Based Giving”.

The programme organised by AIS with support from MacArthur Foundation, witnessed no fewer than 60 Muslim and Christian leaders been trained on the concept of understanding, propagating and imbibing the culture of philanthropy.

The Executive Director and National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Sheik Fuad Adeyemi, said the training was organised for both faith leaders because poverty and hunger do not recognise religion.

According to him, the training was also to promote prosperity and unity among Nigerians as government could not do it alone, thus the need for solution to be collective.

Also speaking at the event, the Archbishop of Abuja, Northern Province, African Church, Rev. Peter Ogunmuyiwa, said the training was an eye-opener, impactful and a wonderful initiative for a religious body.

Ogunmuyiwa commended the Al-Habibiyyah for synergising with the Christian community in a way that suffering will be alleviated in country.

On her part, the General Coordinator, Women’s Interfaith Council (WIC), Mrs Elizabeth Abuk, said the WIC is an association of Muslim and Christian women working together for a peaceful co-existence.

Also, Rev. Cosmos Asuquo a leader from Hand of God Church in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, commending the programme, said that he learnt a lot from the resource persons particularly on the concept of philanthropy.

Sheikh Muhammad Nuru Khalid, also known as the ‘Digital Imam’, commended Imam Faud for his efforts to bring solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.

On his part, the founder and chairman of Ashraaf Islamic Foundation, Dr Sharafudeen Aliagan, cautioned clerics against stinginess.