Nigeria’s Islamic Titan Falls: Sheikh Hadiyyatullah’s Death Shakes the Nation

The Muslim community across Nigeria is reeling from the sudden loss of Sheikh Abdul Rasheed Hadiyyatullah, the revered President of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, who passed away on April 28, 2025. The 80-year-old Islamic scholar, born in Iwo, Osun State, was a towering figure in Yorubaland and beyond, known for his deep knowledge of Shari’ah law and his unwavering push for unity among Muslims. His death, confirmed by the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh Daood Imran Molaasan, and echoed through heartfelt tributes on X, marks the end of an era for a man whose life was a beacon of faith and scholarship.Sheikh Hadiyyatullah, fondly called “Bàbá Shari’ah,” led the Supreme Council for Shari’ah since January 2022, stepping up after the death of Dr. Ibrahim Datti Ahmad. A direct student of the legendary Saudi scholar Sheikh Ibn Baz, he founded the Ibn Baz Shariah College in Iwo, nurturing generations of students who, as early as the 1990s, earned salaries for their studies. His journey began at Anwaru Islam School in Ilorin, followed by advanced studies at the Islamic University of Madinah, where he earned dual honors in Shari’ah Law and Theology. As a jurist, he championed Shari’ah-compliant policies and fostered peace between faiths, earning respect nationwide.His passing, announced late Monday, prompted an outpouring of grief. X posts described him as a “light” and “icon,” with burial rites held swiftly in line with Islamic tradition. The Supreme Council, which he steered to promote Muslim rights and resolve disputes, now faces the task of filling a void left by a scholar of his stature. From Kano to Lagos, his teachings on justice and unity resonated, making his loss a national wound.What This Means for NigeriansSheikh Hadiyyatullah’s death leaves a gap in Nigeria’s spiritual and moral guidance. For everyday Nigerians, it’s a call to honor his legacy by embracing his message of peace and fairness. His life showed that faith can bridge divides—will his passing inspire us to keep that flame alive, or will it fade in a divided world?