The first non-indigenous Head of Islamic Center, Anohia Afikpo, Ebonyi State, Sheikh Muhammad Amanatullah has answered the call of Allah.
The Indian-born Islamic scholar reportedly died peacefully on Monday in his home country.
The Chairman, Oyo Muslim Community, Alhaji Kunle Sanni who disclosed the death of the scholar in a statement, described him as dynamic, hard working and God-conscious.
According to him, Sheikh Amanatullah led a life characterised by service to Allah and humanity.
“Allahu Akbar! Sheikh Amanatullah died peacefully in (New Delhi) India. He was the first non-indigenous Director of The Islamic Center in Anohia, Afikpo (Ebonyi State). He was dynamic, God-conscious and hardworking.
“He utilised all the funds that came from the Muslim World League judiciously and many Nigerians, especially those of Ibo extraction were educated free of charge in the college. They had free tuition, free books, free food and pocket money,” the statement said.
Alhaji Sanni recalled that Sheikh Amanatullah had an accident that affected his spine in Nigeria, which necessitated flying him to India where he received treatment.
He added that after his condition returned to normal, he pleaded with his family to allow him return to Nigeria to continue his good work which was however refused.
“Sheikh Amanatullah is destined for Aljannah. This is the kind of Muslim worthy of emulation, not those with sweet voice in Quranic recitation but perpetrate all sorts of unconscionable misdemeanors.
“May Allah give us the wisdom to revive Islamic Center, Anohia, Afikpo that is now a shadow of the Amanatullah days as head of the institution. Vampires who took over after him were interested only in money. They have left the school in tatters. It is partially closed now as the teachers were not paid for nine months.
“Let us in our different communities do solatul gaib for the soul of the great Sheikh Amanatullah. May Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaous.”