The President of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Sheikh Abdul Rasheed Hadiyatullah, has passed away, marking the end of an era in the country’s Islamic leadership.
The announcement was made on Monday night by the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh Daood Imran Molaasan, in a statement he personally signed. However, Sheikh Molaasan did not disclose the specific location or time of the respected cleric’s death.
In his tribute, Sheikh Molaasan described the late Sheikh Hadiyatullah as a revered scholar whose death has left a significant void within Nigeria’s Islamic leadership.
“He was born in Iwo, a prominent town in Osun State known for its deep Islamic heritage. Sheikh Hadiyatullah was a widely respected Islamic scholar and jurist, known for his tireless advocacy for the implementation of Shari’ah law within constitutional frameworks, interfaith dialogue, and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities,” Molaasan said.
He further noted that the late cleric served as President of the SCSN for several years, during which he provided steady guidance through periods of societal challenges and growth.
“Sheikh Hadiyatullah received his early Islamic education under local scholars before advancing his studies abroad. He earned respect across Nigeria and beyond for his profound knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence and his calm, principled leadership style,” he added.
Concluding his statement, Sheikh Molaasan prayed for divine mercy and eternal rest for the deceased: “He also prayed Allah to forgive Sheikh Hadiyatullah and grant him Jannatul Firdaus.”
