By Mohammed Lawal
Zaria – A Zaria-based businessman, Alhaji Bala Bello, alias Alba-Bello, has constructed, furnished and donated a multi-million Naira Juma’a Mosque, Islamiyya and western education school to Zaria residents.
Speaking at the formal launch of the edifice at Tudun-Jukun, Zaria, Kaduna State on Friday, the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, tasked Muslims, particularly wealthy individuals, to donate for the hereafter through generosity.
The first class traditional ruler, who was represented by the Wazirin Zazzau, Alhaji Ibrahim Aminu, observed that the easiest way for wealthy Muslims to earn God’s favour here and in hereafter was by investing in areas that would promote Islam.
He appealed to well meaning Muslims to emulate the kind gesture of Alba-Bello to cultivate the fruits of generosity both in their lifetime as well as in their lives after death.
In his sermon, Chief Imam of the new Mosque, Sheik Hamza Umar, stressed the importance of building worship places (mosques) to Muslim communities.
According to him, building a Mosque is one thing and sustaining it is another.
“A Mosque is sustained by prayers, Islamic teachings, recitation of the holy Qur’an and other forms of Zikr.’’
The Imam called on Muslims to always exhibit the fear of God in all they do in order to make life easy and more bearable to all.
In an interview shortly after the ceremony, the philanthropist said the action was not out of his powers but by the grace of God Almighty.
“I have no power to this, but Allah in His infinite mercy gave me the strength to do it. I pray God will give me more powers to do more for Islam.
“I therefore, thank Almighty under whose power I was able to put this structure and I seek His protection and reward from Him alone,” Alba-Bello said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony was attended by dignitaries from within and outside the state.