Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has mourned the death of the Khalifatul Adabiyyah Worldwide, Sheikh Abdulqodir Kamalud-deen, describing the late Islamic cleric as a symbol of patience, wisdom and exemplary leadership.
The governor, in a condolence statement issued on Friday by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Moshood Agboola, extended sympathies to the Ansarul Islam family worldwide over the passing of the revered scholar.
AbdulRazaq said the late Sheikh Abdulqodir lived a life devoted to Islam, service to humanity and the unity of Muslims.
“He was a man of immense grace, exemplary patience, and love for members of the Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria and Muslims as a whole.
“He was a leader who won hearts with his great qualities. He relived the patience, wisdom, and depth of the legendary Alhaji Agba.
“His death has left a big void which will be difficult to fill, but we trust that Allaah, in His mercy, will not forsake the Ansarul Islam and the larger community after him.
“I ask Allaah to grant him forgiveness, light up and widen his grave, and admit him to al-jannah Firdaus,” AbdulRazaq said.
Earlier, the Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria Home and Abroad described the deceased as a devoted Islamic leader whose teachings and contributions greatly impacted the Muslim community and society at large.
In a statement issued by the spokesperson of its Ilorin branch, Alhaji Gesua Abdulyekini, the society said the late cleric dedicated his life to the propagation of Islam and moral guidance.
“The late Sheikh Abdulqodir Kamalud-deen was a devoted Islamic leader whose teachings and contributions had a profound impact on the Muslim community and society at large,” the statement read.
The family of the deceased announced that the burial ceremony for the late Sheikh was held at 4:30 p.m. on Friday at Alhaji Agba House in the Okekere area of Ilorin.
The cleric, who was the eldest surviving son of the late Sheikh Muhammad Kamalud-deen Al-Adaby, reportedly died in the early hours of Friday in Ilorin.
His death was also confirmed in Facebook posts by prominent Ilorin-based Islamic scholar, Shaykh Abdul Fatah Aribidesi, and several followers of the Adabiyyah movement.
Reacting to the development, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, described the cleric’s death as a colossal loss to the Ilorin Emirate and humanity.
In a condolence message issued through his spokesman, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, the monarch said the death of the Khalifatul Adabiyyah Worldwide was painful and heartbreaking.
“The incident is a colossal loss to the people of Ilorin Emirate and humanity in general,” the Emir said.
The monarch also condoled with the family of Alhaji Alabi Jagunmo, father of the National President of the Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association, Alhaji Uthman Jagunmo.
“Both deaths are painful blows to the Ilorin Emirate. I submit totally to the will of Almighty Allah.”
“May Allah, in His infinite mercy, grant the duo of Khalifatul Adabiyyah and the Jagunmo of Ilorin absolute comfort in their graves, forgive their shortcomings, accept their good deeds, and admit them into Al-Jannah Firdaus,” the Emir said.
Meanwhile, the Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Saliu Mustapha, also expressed sorrow over the cleric’s passing.
In a condolence message quoted by Legit on Friday, Mustapha described the late Islamic scholar’s death as a monumental loss to the Ilorin Emirate, the Muslim Ummah and humanity at large.
“His passing is a monumental loss to the Ilorin Emirate, the Muslim Ummah, and humanity at large,” the senator said.
The lawmaker added that Sheikh Abdulqodir devoted his life to Islamic scholarship, spiritual guidance and community service.
The late Sheikh Abdulqodir Kamalud-deen was widely respected for sustaining the spiritual and intellectual legacy of the Adabiyyah movement founded by his father, Sheikh Muhammad Kamalud-deen Al-Adaby, the first Grand Mufti of Ilorin, who died in 2005 at about 98 years of age.