…Ansar-Ud-Deen, MURIC, MPAC, OMC, others mourn fearless preacher
Emotion ran high with mourners recounting Sheikh Bello’s forthright lectures, good conducts and steadfastness in preaching the universality of Islamic message spanning four decades.by Muslim News Nigeria 4 hours ago Reading Time: 5 mins readSheikh Muhyideen Bello buried in Ibadan amid dirges, tears, … Ansar-Ud-Deen, MURIC, MPAC, OMC, others mourn fearless preacherHe was a rare gem, most fearless of preachers: Prof Akintola
His legacies remain indelible – Ogun Muslim Community
Thousands of Muslim faithful were present as prominent Islamic scholar in Nigeria, Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello was buried in his Akobo residence, Ibadan, Oyo State on Friday, 6th December, 2024.
Emotion ran high with mourners recounting Sheikh Bello’s forthright lectures, good conducts and steadfastness in preaching the universality of Islamic message spanning four decades.
The late iconic Muslim scholar died in the early hours of Friday, and was buried after Asr prayer according to Islamic rites.
The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Abubakar Agbotomokere led thousands of Muslim sympathizers who came from within and outside Oyo State to honour and pay last respects to Sheikh Muhydeen Bello, who was recently turbaned Sultanul Waa’izeen (King of preachers) by the Supreme Council for Islamic Preachers in Southwest Nigeria.
Muslim News gathered that there was a palpable feeling of sorrow among the Muslim community in Nigeria, especially in Yorubaland, over the demise of Sheikh Bello, despite returning to Allah at a ripe age of 84.
This is because he was widely loved for his bold, touching, impactful and thought-provoking sermons and unwavering dedication to Islamic scholarship and righteousness. When he was alive, Sheikh Ajani Bello was the Chief Imam and Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Northern States
Ansar-Ud-Deen mourns Ajani Bello
The National President of Ansar-Ud-Deen Nigeria and Overseas, Alhaji AbdulRafiu Ademola Sanni has joined millions of Muslims to mourn the death of the Ibadan Oyo-State born scholar and sympathised with his family, associates, and the Muslim ummah.
“With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria and Overseas announces the passing of a revered Missioner of the Northern State Council, Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello, who returned to his Creator after a lifetime of dedicated service to Islam and humanity,” the statement issued on Friday, read.
Alhaji Ajani Bello
On behalf of its National President, Board of Trustees, National Executive Council, and all its members, the society expressed sincere condolences to the family of the late cleric.
The Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria praised the late Sheikh Bello as a prominent figure in the Islamic community, celebrated for his eloquence, profound knowledge, and unwavering dedication to spreading the teachings of Islam.
“As Missioner of the Northern State Council, he played an instrumental role in promoting unity, faith, and moral values across diverse communities. His exemplary leadership, profound knowledge, and unwavering commitment to the cause of Allah have left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals,” the statement continued.
Referring to Qur’an 3:185, the society found solace in the verse: “Every soul shall taste death, and you will only be given your compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So, he who is drawn away from fire and admitted to Paradise has attained his desire.”
The group prayed Almighty Allah to pardon the shortcomings of the departed, accept his good deeds, and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus. They also prayed Allah to provide his family, loved ones, and the Ansar-Ud-Deen community with the strength and patience to endure this profound loss.
“As we bid farewell to our beloved Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello, let us honour his legacy by emulating his dedication to faith, service, and humanity. We urge all members of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Nigeria and Overseas and the wider Muslim Ummah to keep him in their prayers.
“May Allah (SWT) guide and protect us all,” the statement concluded.
A rare gem, a genius of all time, most fearless of all preachers – MURIC says Muslim community will miss Sheikh Ajani Bello
Other Muslim organisations have also written to pay tribute to Sheikh Ajani Bello and condole with his family.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) described the late Sheikh Ajani Bello as one in a million, a rare gem, a genius of all time, and the most fearless of all preachers.
Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima with Sheikh Muhydeen Ajani Bello
The group said the whole Muslim community in Nigeria will miss the late scholar, noting everyone yearned to listen to his insightful lectures.
“Sheikh was so generous he could give his right eye to the needy. Even as an Islamic scholar, he gave scholarship to a large number of indigent students,” the statement issued by Executive Director of MURIC, Prof. Ishaq Lakin Akintola, read.
“There is no Islamic scholar so loved by Southwest Muslims like Shaykh Muhyideen Bello. Every Islamic organisation in the region yearned to listen to his insightful lectures while young and old Muslims listened to his recorded speeches for guidance and inspiration. Mammoth crowds attended his gatherings in their thousands,” it added.
MURIC noted that Sheikh Bello’s death has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill within the Muslim community
“One of his last outings was the turbaning ceremony of the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, as the Jagunmolu Adinni of Nigeria which was held in Lagos on Sunday, 29th September, 2024 just two months ago.
“Shaykh’s death has left a vacuum that will be difficult to fill in Islamdom. The whole Muslim community of Nigeria will miss him. MURIC prays that Allah forgives Shaykh Muhyideen Bello. May Allah shower His Divine Mercy on him and repose his soul in Al-Jannah Firdaus. May Allah also grant those he left behind the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
His unwavering commitment to Islamic education, selfless dedication to welfare of Nigerians will forever be etched in our memories: MPAC
In their own tribute, the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) also said Sheikh Ajani Bello’s demise has left an irreparable void in the Muslim community.
According to the statement signed by the Executive Chairman of MPAC, Disu Kamor, the tireless efforts of Sheikh Bello in propagating the message of Islam, his unwavering commitment to Islamic education, and his selfless dedication to the welfare of the Nigerian people will forever be etched in their memories.
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of our beloved Sheikh Muhydeen Ajani Bello, a renowned Islamic scholar, preacher, and luminary. His departure from this worldly life has left an irreparable void in our midst.
Sheikh Muhyideen Bello
“Shaykh Bello’s tireless efforts in propagating the message of Islam, his unwavering commitment to Islamic education, and his selfless dedication to the welfare of the Nigerian people will forever be etched in our memories. His insightful lectures, thought-provoking sermons, and compassionate counsel inspired countless individuals to embrace the teachings of our noble faith.”
MPAC prayed Allah to grant the late Sheikh forgiveness, mercy, and the highest rank in Jannah.
They also condoled with his grieving family, praying Allah to give them the solace and strength to pull through the sad event.
“May his legacy continue to illuminate our path, guiding us toward righteousness and spiritual growth. May the memories of Shaykh Bello’s remarkable life and contributions be a source of comfort and inspiration.”
His lectures will remain indelible – Ogun Muslim Community
The Ogun State Muslim Community said Sheikh Muhyideen Bello is gone but his lectures, available in several forms, live after him and will remain indelible.
In its statement signed by Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde, OMC stated that the death of Sheikh Bello has caused a lot of grief.
The group charged Muslims to live by the preaching of the late Sheikh, noting it is the highest form of tribute to him.
“As we mourn the renowned scholar and reflect on his good deeds and service to Islam, we must never forget that the highest mourning/tribute is not only to commiserate but to live by his preaching and deeds,” the statement by OMC read.
“Preaching without practice, (said by a philosopher) usually means a short career in the pulpit. Sheikh Bello practiced what he preached. May his Creator grant him pardon and make him a dweller of paradise.
“The world has missed a juggernaut, an icon and a quintessential personality,” OMC stressed.
No more gathering after burial rites for Shiekh Bello, says Sheikh Eleha
Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Imran Eleha, also joined other Muslims to mourn the demise of Sheikh Ajani Bello.
Eleha offered his condolences during the Jum’ah khutbah session he led in Daaru Naim Central Mosque, Lagos.
He said Sheikh Bello’s da’wah trajectory spans nothing less than 40 years, commending his courage and dedication.
The Daaru Naim founder urged the family of the late Sheikh Ajani Bello to refrain from gathering people after three days or months for any special commemoration of prayer.
“In his lecture, which I watched last, Sheikh Bello vehemently refuted the idea of three days, eight days, three months and even one year remembrance for a deceased Muslim. I want to appeal to the family of Baba to follow his preaching to the letter. May Allah (SWT) make it easy for them,” he added.
