Nigeria’s Muslim community is in mourning following the death of Sheikh Abdul Rasheed Hadiyatullah, the President of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN).
His passing marks the end of a significant era in Islamic scholarship and religious leadership in the country.
The sad announcement was made on the evening of Monday, April 28, by Sheikh Daood Imran Molaasan, the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, through a personally signed statement. The statement did not disclose the exact time or place of death but emphasized the gravity of the loss.
“Sheikh Hadiyatullah was a beacon of wisdom, unity, and Islamic knowledge,” Molaasan stated, offering heartfelt prayers that Allah grants him Jannatul Firdaus, the highest paradise in Islam.
Born in Iwo, Osun State, a town known for its deep-rooted Islamic heritage, Sheikh Hadiyatullah was widely respected for his legal scholarship and calm, unifying leadership. He began his Islamic education under local scholars before continuing his studies abroad, where he specialized in Islamic jurisprudence.
As the President of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, he played a pivotal role in guiding discussions on Shari’ah law within Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, advocating for peaceful application and religious coexistence. He also led the council through challenging moments of national tension, maintaining a steady and composed voice rooted in scholarship and faith.
Beyond his legal expertise, Sheikh Hadiyatullah was admired for promoting interfaith dialogue, helping to bridge gaps between Nigeria’s diverse religious communities. His efforts contributed to a more tolerant and understanding society in the face of religious and ethnic divisions.
As news of Sheikh Hadiyatullah’s passing spreads, prominent Islamic organizations, community leaders, and political figures are expected to issue tributes in the coming days. Funeral arrangements and succession plans within the SCSN have yet to be officially announced.
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