* Says no section of Islamic texts support practice
* As Sultan, Baba Adinni of Lagos, MSSN Lagos mourn Sheikh Muhyideen Bello
The National Missioner of the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria and Overseas, Sheikh Abdulrahman Olanrewaju Ahmad, has called for adherence to Islamic teachings regarding funeral practices.
Speaking at a commemorative event held on Sunday, 8th December at the main bowl of Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, Sheikh Ahmad emphasized the simplicity prescribed in Islam for burials, cautioning against extravagant ceremonies.
He highlighted that neither the Qur’an nor the Hadith supports practices such as third, eighth, or 40th-day prayers for the deceased, describing these as cultural additions rather than religious mandates.
Reflecting on the teachings of the late Sheikh Muhyideen Bello, a prominent Islamic scholar, who died on Friday, 6th December, the respected Muslim scholar noted that during his lifetime, Sheikh Bello was a strong advocate for simplicity in funeral rites and warned against extravagant practices.
“Today’s gathering is a testament to Sheikh Bello’s legacy and the principles he upheld. It will be a disservice and a sin if we, as his followers, go against his teachings, especially now that he is no longer with us,” Sheikh Ahmad stated.
He reiterated the importance of distinguishing between cultural practices and Islamic teachings, adding, “There is no section of the Quran or Hadith that supports third, eighth, or 40th-day Fidau prayers. These practices are cultural influences, not religious obligations.”
Sheikh Ahmad also clarified that the event was not intended to include a sermon to avoid misinterpretation. “We are ensuring that everything we do today aligns with what Sheikh Bello preached during his lifetime,” he concluded.
The National President, Are Abdulrafiu Ademola Sanni and members of the society at the programme
The event served as a solemn reminder of the late scholar’s dedication to upholding Islamic principles and his enduring influence on the Muslim community.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, along with prominent Nigerian politicians, Islamic clerics, and industry leaders, participated in the Fidau in honour of the late Sheikh Muhydeen Ajani Bello, a revered Islamic preacher.
Representing President Tinubu at the event were the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, and former Inspector General of Police, Musiliu Smith. Other dignitaries in attendance included the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde, as well as Alhaji Kamaldeen Adekilekun, representing the Osun State Governor.
Prince Anafi Elegushi, representing the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and Alhaji Kamil Oloso were also present to pay their respects.
The ceremony was graced by prominent Islamic leaders, including the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniy Abubakri Agbotomokekere, who led prayers alongside other clerics, reinforcing the spiritual significance of the gathering.
The event underscored Sheikh Bello’s impactful legacy as a preacher and scholar, drawing together a diverse array of individuals united in paying tribute to his contributions to Islam and the Nigerian community.
More Tributes for Sheikh Muhyideen Bello
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has joined the Lagos Muslim Council and other notable religious institutions to mourn and expressed their condolences following the death of Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello.
In his tribute, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of NSCIA, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, described Sheikh Bello as a preacher of exemplary character and conscience
He noted that the cleric’s demise came as a shock, particularly at a time when his unique style of Islamic preaching is crucial for fostering moral reconstruction and spiritual guidance in the nation.
He said: “We have no option than to accept demise of the great Islamic preacher and scholar as a natural call by Allah. The death of Shaikh Bello is a loss to the Muslim Ummah of Nigeria especially the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria and Oyo State Muslim community.
“May Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds as acts of worship and repose his soul in Al-Jannah Firdaus, Ameen.”
BABA ADINNI OF LAGOS
Also speaking, the Baba Adinni of Lagos Central Mosque and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Juma’atul Muslim Council of Lagos, Alhaji Sikiru Alabi-MacFoy, said Sheikh Muhideen Bello left behind legacies of dedicated services and exemplary leadership.
According to him, the late Sheikh Bello contributed immensely not only in the advancement of Islam, but also in the promotion of tolerance, peace and harmonious coexistence between Muslim Ummah and adherents of other religions in Nigeria.
He described him as a vanguard in the advocacy of moral rectitudeness in our society.
Alhaji Macfoy said: “My close interaction with this pious Scholar was over 40 years ago in Kano, when I was praying in the Ansar-Ud-Deen Mosque, which he was in charge of in the ancient city of Kano. I said without equivocation that he was indeed a very friendly, compassionate, accommodating, and supportive brother. There in Kano, everyone, of all religions and ethnic groups, revered and loved him.
“The ideal values our he propagated and portrayed should be enough lessons to all of us. We should be admonished by his exceptional characters. He practised what he preached as prescribed by the Holy Quran. For all of us, death is inevitable. Our major worry should we be how we’ll be remembered?
“I extend my condolences to his family and loved ones, the Ansar-Ud-Deen families home and abroad, and the entire Nigerian Muslim Ummah. We grieve. As we mourn this Islamic colossus and Icon, may Allah Allah (SWT) give us all the fortitude and patience to bear this heart-rending loss.”
MSSN LAGOS
In a statement issued by the Amir, Mallam Kamoldeen Abiona, the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Lagos State Area Unit commiserated with the family of Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello over his death.
The Muslim student body urged young people to emulate the life of the late Muslim scholar, who according to them exemplified braveness, outspokenness, truthfulness, among other virtues.
“We call on our youths and leaders to emulate the life of our Sheikh as there are lessons to be learnt from his life ranging from his braveness, outspokenness, truthfulness, commitment to the work of Allah, kindness and above all his reliance on Allah,” the statement read.
The Amir said Muslim students should also learn from Baba’s consistency, noting, “Virtually all of us that have become adults today grew up listening to his lectures. There was no time he quit. So, as young people, we should be consistent in whatever good we are doing, especially on the path of Allah.
“Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello was also humble despite his status and popularity. He opened his doors to welcome both the young and the old. He was a member of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, but he related well with other Muslim organisations.
“At no time did we see Sheikh exchanging words with fellow Muslim scholars or creating disunity within the Ummah. He also demonstrated a high level of contentment. This is why he was able to call political leaders and influential personalities to order. He commanded so much respect from them.
“The way and manner he has been buried also testified to the influence of his dawah on his family. May Allah overlook his shortcomings and increase his blessings in the grave”, he added.
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GAFARA LLAHU SUNUBI RADHIA LLAHU TAALLAH. May ALLAH (SWT) Forgiive all HIS short comings (Aamin)