The leader of the Islamic movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, yesterday joined the seven-day prayer for the late Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi. He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the deceased scholar’s family, students, and followers.
The condolence visit, held at the late Sheikh’s mosque in Makera, Bauchi, was led on Zakzaky’s behalf by his younger brother, Malam Badamasi Yaqoub, and his eldest son, Muhammad Zakzaky.
Speaking during the visit, Malam Badamasi Yaqoub described Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi as an exceptional pillar of Islamic scholarship whose loss is felt across the world.
“We extend our condolences to the family and students of Shehu Dahiru Bauchi, and indeed the entire global community. His passing is a loss to the world,” he said.
He further noted that the late scholar’s explanations, interpretations, and hadith narrations were delivered from his memory, demonstrating a depth of scholarship rarely seen.
“Whether you are his student or not, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi has influenced you. He is a teacher for many because he served in the Qur’a’an. May Allah have mercy on him,” he added.
Badamasi emphasised that the magnitude of the loss compelled Sheikh Zakzaky to send his family and his representative to personally convey his condolences.
He then prayed May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdausy.
Responding on behalf of the family, Khalifa Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru Usman Bauchi expressed gratitude for the visit. He described the passing of Sheikh Dahiru as a shared grief and recalled the cordial relationship between Shaikh Zakzaky and the late father.
“We appreciate this condolence, but truly the loss is ours. Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky is not a stranger to this house.
He used to visit the Sheikh Dahiru, who would introduce him to lead in prayer. May Allah reward you and strengthen Islam.”
The Khalifa prayed for unity among Muslims and for the continued growth of Islam.
Our correspondent reports that Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi passed away last week, and the seventh-day prayer was observed on Thursday. Special prayers were held for Allah’s forgiveness and mercy upon the late scholar as various groups continue to pay condolence visits.