By Rabiu Idris
In a solemn show of respect and brotherhood, the National Chairman of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa ‘iqamatis Sunnah, JIBWIS Nigeria, Sheikh Dr Abdullahi Bala Lau, on Thursday last week, led a high-powered delegation on a condolence visit to Daura, Katsina State, to commiserate with the Emir of Daura, His Royal Highness Alh. Dr. Umar Farouq Umar, CON, the government and people of Katsina State, and the family of the late former president Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who passed away recently.
During the visit, Sheikh Dr Abdullahi Bala Lau described the late president Buhari as a statesman of immense character and one of the most remarkable leaders Nigeria has ever had.
Sheikh Bala Lau noted that president Buhari was the only sitting president in Nigeria’s history to honour and attend two key occasions organised by JIBWIS Nigeria, underscoring his love for Islam and Islamic causes.
The first of these notable events was the world Muslim League conference held in Abuja, where president Buhari addressed leading scholars and Islamic figures from across the globe. The second was the commissioning of the JIBWIS – Nigeria Central Juma’at mosque in Utako, Abuja, a landmark occasion in the history of the Organisation, which the former president personally attended and supported.
“President Muhammadu Buhari was not just a leader of Nigeria, he was a friend of the Muslim Ummah, a patron of Islamic unity, and a man of faith who believed in the cause of Allah.
“His presence at our key programmes reflects his sincerity, humility, and commitment to the propagation of Islam. We at JIBWIS, mourn his loss deeply,” Sheikh Bala Lau stated.
The JIBWIS National Chairman offered heartfelt prayers for the deceased, praying to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala to forgive his shortcomings and grant him jannatul firdaus, the highest place in paradise.
Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau was accompanied by top members of the JIBWIS National Executive Council, including the National Secretary, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Kabiru Haruna Gombe, and a prominent member of the Board of Trustees, BOT, Sheikh Yakubu Musa Hassan.
Others in the entourage included respected Islamic scholars, the Director General of the Organisation, Alh. Ahmed Ibrahim Lau, National officers, and senior members of the Organisation.
The Emir of Daura in his response, appreciated the visit and the prayers offered for the late president. He extolled the virtues of President Buhari as a man who never wavered in his religious beliefs and love for the people.
The Emir also prayed for continued peace, unity, and the strengthening of Islamic Organisations in Nigeria.
As the nation continues to mourn the loss of one of its most influential leaders, the visit by Sheikh Dr Abdullahi Bala Lau and the JIBWIS delegation is a testament to the enduring relationship between religious leadership and national figures who uphold faith, integrity, and service to humanity.
May Allah Almighty forgive president Muhammadu Buhari, accept his good deeds, and grant him eternal rest in jannatul firdaus.
