The Companion, an association of Muslim men in business and in professions, has described the death of Sheikh Hafiz Abou, as a great loss to the Nigerian Muslim Ummah.
National Amir of the group, Engr. Kamil Olalekan, made the description in a press statement issued on Saturday.
The Companion’s National Public Affairs Secretary, Alhaji Muideen Adeleke, quoted the Amir as saying that the late Sheikh Abou would be missed for his Islamic erudition, piety and philanthropy.
”Sheikh Hafiz Abou’s transition is a great loss to the Ummah and humanity as a whole for what he represented’, The Companion stressed.
Acknowledging that the late cleric provided free of charge, the venue it uses for weekly Islamic lecture in Surulere, Lagos, The Companion prayed to Allah for the repose of his soul, grant his immediate family and Muslim Ummah the fortitude to bear the loss.
The organisation affirmed that the late scholar was a humble, humane but firm and disciplined individual, who equally played the role of a bridge-builder, among adherents of Islam, especially in the South West geopolitical zone.
”The departed Sheikh led an exemplary life full of lessons to both the old and young ones in accordance with the injunctions of Allaah and Prophet Muhammad (SAW)’, the group restated.
In a related development, the Lagos District of The Companion has sent its condolences on Sheikh Abou’s passing.
In a condolence letter signed by the District Amir, Alhaji AbdulKabir Olayiwola Baruwa and addressed to the President, Muslim Community of Lagos State, Prof. Tajudeen Gbadamosi, The Lagos Companion acknowledged that the late scholar lived an impactful and fulfilled life that was dedicated to the service of Allah and humanity.
The letter reads in part: “He was a quintessential scholar who dedicated his life to Islamic cause in Lagos State and the country at large.
“Sheikh Abdul Hafeez Ashamu Abou was a personification of humility, selflessness, kindness, candour and forthrightness. Baba played a pivotal role in rallying the Muslim Ummah not only in the Southwest but also at National and International levels. As the leader of the Muslim Community of Lagos, he left an indelible mark in the sands of time.
“His contributions and legacy to the community will be eternally remembered, and his passing is profoundly sad for the entire Muslim Ummah.
“We pray that Allah (SWT) will overlook Sheikh Abou’s shortcomings and admit him into the highest station in Aljanat Firdous in the company of the pious and righteous servants of Allah.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family left behind, his associates and the Muslim Community of Lagos State as a whole during this difficult time”.
“We hope that the indelible legacy which Sheikh Abou left behind will inspire and re-ignite our collective efforts towards the unity, commitment and dedication to the Muslim Ummah and elevation of noble cause of Islamic work,” the letter added.
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Sheikh Abou died at the age of 101, on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.
Born in Ita Akanni area of Lagos on 10th August 1922, Sheikh Abou attended the Lagos Government School, Ansar-uddeen School and Al-Azhar University, Cairo where he obtained the Bachelor of Arts degree in Arabic.
He spent 14 years in Cairo (1944-1958) acquiring diverse experiences of Islamic culture.
