The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad III, on Sunday, October 5, 2020, said the commencement of the national Hajj savings scheme would enable every Muslim perform the hajj without depending on the government for funding.
Hajj Savings Scheme to Reduce Pressure on Public Funds, Says Sultan
He also said the scheme would ensure proper planning while funds realized will be invested in Shari’a compliant instruments.
Speaking while he formally flagged-off the pilot scheme in Kano State, the traditional ruler also pointed out that the programme, which is currently pioneered by Jaiz Bank in partnership with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), would make it easier for intending pilgrims to perform one of the five pillars of Islam.
In a statement by the bank, the Sultan who was represented by the Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero, however charged both the commission and the bank to be transparent in the operation of the scheme.
The Managing Director, Jaiz Bank, Mr. Hassan Usman however, said the scheme remained a significant milestone for all stakeholders in the hajj ecosystem in the country.
He said: “From planning, funding to actual operations, the scheme has the potentials to affect every act and actor in the process positively.
With such a scheme in place, intending pilgrims that do not have the financial strengths to afford pilgrims can gradually plan and actualize their dream without stress by saving over some time.
“Even those who did not live long enough to complete their savings might still in Allah’s infinite mercy receive the reward for Hajj, because they are pilgrims by intention (niyyat) and action (amal) together.”
He added that as the scheme grows over time, NAHCON and the various State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards can have the liquid funds required to plan hajj effectively. They would thereby secure better deals on accommodation and other services for their pilgrims.
Usman said the scheme could also make the pilgrims highly self-sustaining on the long run.
On his part, the Chairman of NAHCON, Zikrullah Kunle Hassan described the event as historic adding that, “this is one of its kind in the continent as we are changing the narrative of Hajj Scheme to make it easier for people to perform hajj”.
Also, the Kano State Governor, Mr. Abdullahi Ganduje, pledged the full support of the state towards the scheme.
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