By Tosin Olatokunbo
The managing Director of Jaiz Bank Hassan Usman has urged muslims planning to visit Saudi Arabia for the Hajj to take advantage of the National Hajj Savings Scheme, initiated by the non-profit bank.
The bank’s CEO disclosed this at the launch of the scheme in Oyo and Kwara states, noting that performing the hajj rites is profitable for adherents of the faith.
“With such a scheme in place, intending pilgrims that do not have the wherewithal can gradually plan and actualise their dream without stress by saving gradually Allah’s infinite mercy receive the reward for hajj because they are pilgrims by bringing intention (niyyat) and action (amal) together,” he said.
Hajiya Halima Jibril who represented the Chairman of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, said the scheme encourages those in the low rung of the society to save for the pilgrimage, aside earning profits from their savings.
Kwara State, Sharia Court of Appeal, Khadi Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen, advised that it is not easy carrying people along “but with sincerity of mind and physical commitments, the success and accomplishment will be achieved.
”On his part, the Secretary to Kwara State Government, Professor Mammah Saba Jibril, said the scheme is a laudable one that allow prospective pilgrim to Saudi Arabia to plan ahead, adding that the initiative is Sharia compliant. The scheme will “rraise the hope of less privileged Muslims ummahs to participate in the Hajj exercise by gradual deposit for Hajj,” he said.
The Chairman of Oyo state Muslims Welfare Board Prof. Sayed Tunde Malik said the scheme has the potential of bringing about financial inclusion and urged every Muslims to key into the programme
Chief Of Staff (COS) to the Oyo state governor Bisi Alaka, said the scheme “is an initiative that would ensure discipline and teach pilgrims financial inclusion. We will continue to implement policies that would promote the welfare of the people of the state. I therefore urge all Muslims in the state to subscribe to the scheme.”
