Emir Of Zazzau: I Have Never Saved Enough Money To Pay Zakat

The Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, has expressed that he has never saved enough money to fulfill the requirement of paying monetary zakat. Zakat, a pillar of Islam, entails an obligatory donation of a set percentage of one's wealth when it reaches a certain threshold, known as nisab, over a full lunar year. In Nigeria, the monetary threshold for zakat fluctuates daily based on gold or silver market values.

As of September 2026, the gold-based threshold is approximately ₦15,654,875, while the silver-based threshold is around ₦1,722,571. Bamalli stated that his personal savings had never accumulated to the extent that it would obligate him to pay monetary zakat. He elaborated, "I have never given out monetary zakat in my life because I have never saved money."

When further questioned, he reiterated, "I have never saved enough money." The emir attributed this to his lifestyle, stating, "That's just how I live my life. I have never done that, and I live in peace." Bamalli, a former lawyer, banker, and diplomat, disclosed that he was never driven by wealth accumulation. He elaborated, "I didn't see any reason why I should accumulate wealth because my father left nothing."

He further denied the notion that he had amassed wealth in anticipation of becoming the 19th Emir of Zazzau, affirming, "I didn't have anything. The only money in my account was the Foreign Service allowances," which were monthly stipends. The emir emphasized that his leadership philosophy is rooted in service to the people rather than personal wealth or status.

He emphasized, "Leadership is not about accumulation, it is not about vanity or flamboyance or anything, it is about service to the people, service to humanity." The emir also highlighted his reliance on the Quran to guide his actions, aiming to be remembered as a just leader.