The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has described the death of Nafiu Baba-Ahmed, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, as a great loss to Islam, the Muslim Ummah and Nigeria.
The Sultan, in a statement issued by his media team and signed by Bashir Adefaka on Tuesday, expressed profound sadness over the death, describing Baba-Ahmed as a dedicated servant of Allah who devoted his life to promoting Islamic values, scholarship, unity, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity.
He said the deceased, who was an accomplished professional in the law and banking sectors, made significant contributions to Islamic affairs and the strengthening of Islamic institutions.
According to him, Baba-Ahmed’s life reflected a deep commitment to justice, knowledge, righteousness and the service of the Ummah.
“The death of Mallam Nafiu Baba-Ahmed has deeply touched my heart. Words are inadequate to express the depth of this loss. He was a brother, a committed servant of Allah and a man who dedicated himself to the service of the Ummah. His departure is indeed a great loss,” the Sultan said.
The Sultan also recalled Baba-Ahmed’s steadfastness, sincerity and courage in discharging his responsibilities, as well as his efforts to advance Islamic affairs in Nigeria.
He commiserated with the deceased’s family, the leadership and members of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Islamic scholars and organisations, and the wider Nigerian Muslim community.
The Sultan urged them to take solace in Allah and the legacy of faith, service and good deeds left by Baba-Ahmed.
“We belong to Allah and unto Him is our return. We pray that Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgives Mallam Nafiu Baba-Ahmed, rewards his years of service to Islam and grants him Al-Jannatul Firdaus,” he said.
He further urged Muslims to continue praying for the deceased and emulate his devotion, humility and commitment to service.
The Sultan prayed for Allah to make Baba-Ahmed’s grave a garden from the gardens of Paradise, illuminate it with His light, raise him among the righteous and grant him eternal peace.
He also prayed for continued peace and unity in the Muslim Ummah and Nigeria, and for Allah to grant the bereaved family, colleagues, associates and the entire Ummah the fortitude to bear the loss.
