Nigeria’s Islamic community is mourning the loss of a prominent religious leader, Sheikh Abdul Rasheed Hadiyatullah, the President of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), who has reportedly passed away.
The announcement was made by the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh Daood Imran Molaasan, in an official statement released on Monday evening. While the Grand Mufti confirmed the sad news, he did not disclose the exact time or location of Sheikh Hadiyatullah’s passing.
According to Sheikh Molaasan, the revered scholar’s death leaves a significant vacuum in the Islamic leadership of Nigeria.
“His passing is a great loss not only to the Muslim ummah but to the entire nation. His wisdom, humility, and steadfast dedication to Islamic principles will be sorely missed,” he remarked.
A Life of Islamic Leadership and National Impact
Born in Iwo, Osun State, a city renowned for its strong Islamic heritage, Sheikh Hadiyatullah was a respected Islamic scholar, jurist, and leader known for promoting Shari’ah law within Nigeria’s constitutional framework. He was also an advocate of interfaith harmony, national unity, and peaceful coexistence among the country’s diverse religious groups.
Throughout his tenure as President of the SCSN, Sheikh Hadiyatullah was instrumental in shaping discourse around religious justice, legal reform, and spiritual guidance. He provided leadership during critical periods in Nigeria’s socio-religious evolution, earning respect from both Islamic scholars and leaders across various faiths.
His educational journey began under the tutelage of local scholars in Iwo. He later advanced his Islamic studies abroad, gaining international recognition for his deep understanding of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) and his unwavering commitment to the ethical practice of the religion.
Tributes and Prayers
In his tribute, Sheikh Molaasan prayed for divine mercy on the late cleric:
“May Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.”
Condolences have begun pouring in from religious organizations, political figures, and citizens who remember Sheikh Hadiyatullah for his intellectual rigor, spiritual leadership, and consistent message of unity and justice.
Legacy of a Scholar and Guide
Sheikh Abdul Rasheed Hadiyatullah’s contributions to Nigeria’s religious and legal discourse will remain a cornerstone of the nation’s Islamic history. As the country reflects on his legacy, his teachings and leadership style will continue to inspire future generations of scholars and believers.
