At the very first day of Ramadan, popular Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Bukhari Al-Mukhar of Al-Huda Al-Mukhtar International Prayer Mission and Muhammad Rosulullah Global Family began the holy month with the spirit of charity by organizing a Pre-Ramadan Charity Programme tagged “Al-It’han” an Arabic word which means feeding the needy.
The programme which was held on the Tuesday13th of April, 2021 at the iconic Folawiyo Central Mosque in Surulere is the 9th edition of such. It was well attended by Muslim faithful from far and wide. Each of the massive attendees at the programme went home happy as they were given food stuff, money not less than one thousand naira among other materials to cater for their needs as Ramadan begins.
The programme was largely followed on the social media as muslim faithful in the country and beyond were observing the programme from their respective locations and making resounding remarks about the different activities held.
The most captivating moments in the programme were the various prayer sections led by the Sheikh, there were admonitions on Charity by scholars, Azikhr (Songs of Praises) by a number of singers with their sonorous and soul inspiring voices, picking of choicest materials by beneficiaries, distribution of food stuff and money to all and sundry, and breaking of Fast (Iftar).
The spiritual leader of Al-Huda, Sheikh Ahmad Bukhari Al-Mukhtar spoke on the essence of the programme which he said is charity based. He said what to eat as Ramadan begins has been source of worry to some. But Ramadan is such a month that every muslim should be happy to observe. The situation of the country has put a lot of families in hardship. He said the programme since inception has helped ease the affairs of the needy to a large extent. He said even during last year’s Ramadan which was observed during COVID-19 lockdown, they didn’t relent on giving charity out to the needy in their various houses.
The Sheikh admonished the rich to see the affairs of the poor around them as important as their wealth is meant to cater to their needs. Meanwhile he encouraged the large audience not to get deterred as Allah could change their present situation any time.
“That you came here to receive does not mean you can’t become a giver tomorrow. And to those who are givers today, it doesn’t mean you can’t be receivers tomorrow because it is Allah who gives and takes. All you need to do is to have a clear intention. A person who has bad intention for the rich may find it difficult to make it in life if he or she doesn’t amend his ways.”
He further gave testimonies of some person who attended previous editions of the annual programme for charity but are now among those who contribute to the course of Charity. In the notable songs sang at the programme “Spending in Charity does not make one rich while being miserly does not make one rich”
Sheikh Ahmad Bukhari is a noble scholar in Islam who loves to give and he always encourages the act of giving as practiced by Prophet Muhammed (SAW). His presence on his IG Page, AL-MUKHTAR-Official attracts lots of followers including celebrities.
He is one of the most patronized clerics in Lagos with his groups Al-Huda Al-Mukhtar International Prayer Mission and Muhammad Rosulullah Global Family growing in lips and bounds with thousands of members in Lagos, Nigeria and oversea. He became more known during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown through his Instagram Live Prayer sessions. He is an Alfa many big people clamour to meet.
-JAMIU ABUBAKAR
