President of Nigeria’s Shari’ah Council Passes Away

The President of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), Sheikh Abdul Rasheed Hadiyatullah, has passed away.

The announcement was made on Monday night, April 28, by Sheikh Daood Imran Molaasan, the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, in a statement he personally signed.

While the statement did not provide details regarding the exact time or location of the cleric’s death, Sheikh Molaasan described the loss as a significant one for the Muslim community in Nigeria.

He highlighted Sheikh Hadiyatullah’s contributions, which went beyond religious teachings, extending to national discourse and the promotion of peaceful coexistence.

Born in Iwo, Osun State—a town known for its rich Islamic heritage—Sheikh Hadiyatullah was a respected scholar and jurist. He was an advocate for the integration of Shari’ah law within Nigeria’s constitutional framework and was committed to fostering interfaith dialogue and peaceful relations among the country’s religiously diverse population.

As President of the SCSN, Sheikh Hadiyatullah provided leadership during times of societal tension and progress, earning widespread respect for his wisdom and balanced approach.

His educational journey began under local scholars in Iwo, before he pursued further studies abroad, enhancing his expertise in Islamic jurisprudence.

Sheikh Molaasan concluded his statement by praying for Allah’s mercy upon the departed scholar and for his admission into Jannatul Firdaus, the highest level of paradise in Islam.