An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ismaeel Hussein Adekunle Gbamolada, has advised well-to-do Muslims across the country to pay their Zakat as and when due.

Gbamolada noted that this is necessary to reduce the level of hardship in the country.

The Islamic cleric made these declarations while delivering the 1446 AH Ramadan lecture organized by the Ajibode Oke Ona Muslim Community, Ibadan, on Sunday.

DAILY POST reports that the event was attended by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abubakar Abdulganiyy Agbotomokere, a former member of the House of Representatives, Barrister Lanre Saheed Agoro, and the Chairman of the Muslim community in the area, Dr. Bayo Busari.

Gbamolada, while speaking on the topic “Zakat: Divine Solution to Economic Hardship,” advised Muslims to pay their Zakat as and when due to help reduce poverty in the country.

He said that this will help alleviate the widespread suffering in the land.

“Those who cannot pay Zakat should pay Sadakat. Nigeria has all the mineral resources to be a good place for all and sundry, but we are still wallowing in poverty.

“Zakat is a commandment from God to all Muslims. People are hungry. When Buhari was in power, we were buying rice below N10,000, but it is now almost N100,000.

“If you want to give Zakat, give a substantial amount of money. This will help reduce the level of poverty in the country. There is too much hardship in the land.

“There is too much hardship; pay your Zakat as and when due. Let us assist ourselves if the government fails us. If we pay Zakat, it will purify our wealth.

“Any stingy man cannot pay Zakat. Also, remember the Islamic clerics who are teaching your children.”