The remains of Kano-based renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Yusuf Ali (Sarkin Malaman Gaya) were laid to rest in Kano Monday afternoon.
Ali died Sunday night according to his son, Muslihu Yusuf Ali at the age of 73.
His funeral rites (Jana’iza) were observed at ‘Masallacin’ Murtala immediately after zuhr prayer at exactly 1:40pm led by the Chief Imam of the mosque, Malam Kabiru Badamasi Dan Taura popularly known as Malam Dan Taura.
It was attended by many prominent personalities including the Emir of Gaya, Ibrahim Abdulkadir, renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, representatives of the government and a host of others from all walks of life.
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He was buried inside the Sheikh Isyaku Rabiu mosque at Goron Dutse.
Born in 1950 in Gaya town of Kano State, the late Islamic scholar began his legal career in 1974 as a Sharia Court Scribe, and rose through the ranks to become Chief Clerk, Assistant Registrar, Registrar, Upper Sharia Court Judge and Director at the Upper Sharia Court.
Sheikh Ali retired in 2009 and continued with Islamic teachings and offering spiritual healings.
He is survived by three wives and 36 children.
Speaking, Malam Nur Muhammad Nur Arzai, the Imam of Sunusi Dantata mosque said the deceased was a great, dependable and reliable cleric who spent his life on the path of the teachings of the holy book.
“We have lost a very dear one, it’s a loss to the Islamic community worldwide. We pray that God accepts his deeds in good faith.
“He stood by the righteous paths of the holy prophet and he always called for doing good deeds, while he spent his life in the service of God and humanity.
“We can’t quantify the amount of good he did on earth for he has done a lot to the Muslim community not only in Kano, Nigeria but the world at large.”
On his part, his 13th son, Mubashir Yusuf Ali who spoke amidst tears said he would miss a dear friend and very close associate.
The son added that the deceased had left behind a will to be buried at Isyaku Rabiu mosque where the holy book is always recited.
For his Deputy and Chief Azhan, Muhammadu Mustapha extolled the deceased as a man of integrity who lived a very fulfilling and exemplary life.
Kano State governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf and the immediate past governor of the state who is the incumbent National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje have condoled with the family of the deceased.
The duo, in separate statements issued by their chief press secretaries, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa and Edwin Olofu described the loss as shocking and devastating considering his contributions towards the socio-cultural development of Kano.
“Kano State governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has condoled with the family and Gaya Emirate over the passing away of Sheikh Yusuf Ali who died last night following a protracted illness.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Kano State, we wish to extend our deep sympathy and condolences to the family and emirate council. May Almighty Allah in this infinite mercy grant his soul eternal rest and Jannatul Firdausi be his final abode,” prayed Alhaji Abba Kabir.
Similarly, Ganduje while mourning the death of a renowned Islamic scholar said the late cleric epitomised the best spirit of selflessness and piety.
“As a cleric and member of the Ulama in Kano and Nigeria as a whole, he was a shining light who saved the lives of so many of our people through his counsel and spiritual support.
“He was highly respected and admired by his peers and large followership for his deep insights, wisdom and knowledge of Islamic affairs.
“He played a pivotal role in the peaceful coexistence of the citizenry in Kano State irrespective of their religious and political leanings. He would be sorely missed. Allah bless his soul.”
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