The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has called upon Muslim clerics nationwide to prioritise teaching on zakah, saying the pillar of Islam has been widely neglected despite its central role in poverty alleviation and social support.
Mubaje made the remarks during a function organised by UMMAH, a Muslim-based charitable organisation, held at the main prayer hall of the National Mosque at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council headquarters in Old Kampala.
Drawing extensively from Qur’anic verses and the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the Mufti reminded Muslims that zakah is one of the five pillars of Islam and a mandatory obligation for all eligible believers.
He said while clerics have consistently preached about the oneness of Allah, the five daily prayers, fasting during the holy month of Ramadhan and pilgrimage to Makkah, zakah has not received the same emphasis.
“Muslim clerics have done a great deal of preaching on other pillars such as the oneness of Allah, the five daily prayers, fasting during the holy month of Ramadhan and pilgrimage to Makkah. Unfortunately, the teaching on zakah, its offering and its distribution, has largely been neglected,” Mubaje said.
He noted that this gap has resulted in many Muslims, including those with the financial capacity, remaining unaware of their obligation to pay zakah. He cited wealthy business owners in Kampala who, despite running successful enterprises, rarely fulfil the duty.
Mubaje said paying zakah attracts Allah’s blessings and plays a direct role in eliminating poverty within society.
“Whoever offers zakah to the poor attracts and doubles Allah’s blessings upon their wealth. The best way to protect your wealth is to offer zakah promptly,” he said.
The Mufti commended the leadership of UMMAH, led by its Country Director Hajjat Shania Kigozi, and its international partners for what he described as proper and transparent management of charitable funds, noting that zakah administration requires a high level of trust and integrity.
He also encouraged Ugandans to make better use of the country’s fertile land and favourable climate, saying limited engagement in agriculture has contributed to persistent poverty.
Mubaje further expressed gratitude to President Museveni for promoting poverty alleviation programmes, including the Parish Development Model and Emyooga, urging citizens to actively seek and utilise these initiatives.
“I urge all of you to go back to your respective areas and ask for these government programmes,” he said.
The event was attended by several Muslim leaders, including Sheikh Abubakar, a member of the Muslim Advisory Council, and Abdu-Karim Karisa, Director of Salam Charity and Salam TV.