The story of the IMC started with a spark, in one of our local chapters – Ikorodu Local Government. An idea that took root in a shared aspiration of our organisation. So, this is not just another project, it was a long-held dream yearning to find expression. The National Headquarters of TMC under the leadership of the immediate past Amir, Dr Lukman AbdurRaheem, embraced the initiative, took the reins and then under my stewardship, we steered the monumental project forward.
Guests and prominent Muslim personalities during the inauguration
• Graveyard investment a flowing charity: Sheikh Tirmidhi
• Royal fathers, spiritual leaders laud TMC’s foresight, charge Islamic organisations to emulate group
A prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Muhammad Jamiu Tirmidhi, has described investment in the establishment of Maqbara (Muslim cemetery) as an act of worship, a flowing charity whose reward is perpetual.
Acts of worship that have rewards that exist in perpetuity are known as sadaqatul jaariyah in Islam.
Sheikh Tirmidhi said this on Sunday, 25th of August, while delivering a lecture at the official commissioning of the International Muslim Cemetery (IMC), a multi-million naira project of foremost Islamic organisation, The Muslim Congress (TMC).
Muslim News gathered that the auspicious occasion held at the site of cemetery located at Oberekodo village, Shagamu-Ikorodu road, Ogun State, was graced by royal fathers, spiritual leaders, influential Muslim personalities and members of the society across Nigeria.
According to him, “For every faithful who invests in the Maqbara will be an unfailing reward because it is a transitive act of ibadah (sadaqatul jaariyah).”
L-R: Alhaji Bappah Musa, District Head of Dambam,
Dambam local Govt, Bauchi State; High Chief Akinsipo, Akogun of Owu Land; Shaykh Bilal Shittu, Sheikh Ahmad Tuhamiy and Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi’i
Tirmidhi, an Islamic Inheritance jurisprudence expert allayed the fears of residents of the community where the International Muslim Cemetery is sited, noting that unfounded tales and superstitious beliefs often ascribed to Cemeteries hold no water.
“We profoundly appreciate the host community for giving out a large size of their land to accommodate a Raodoh min Riyyadhil Hannah (a wide open area of green land).
“The Muslim Cemetery is an oasis and a blessed place that serves as the final abode on earth for the righteous Muslims. It is as well a visitation and recreation center for the living righteous.
“Thus, I want to allay the fears in residents concerning associated fretful and diabolical tales that surround living around the cemetery which make some people reject siting maqaabir (cemeteries) in their area. It is all ruse and fantasy.
Sheikh Tirmidhi
“Once again, the Muslim Cemetery is summarily a place described as a sea never dry of Allah’s blessings. It is even a boost to the economy of the community, as the living righteous keep patronizing throughout the year. It draws traffic to the community, which is needed for economic growth.”
Sheikh Tirmidhi also underlined the significance of being buried in a Muslim cemetery, saying the dead would enjoy prayers offered from time to time when the living visit.
He charged Muslims to always be conscious of death, noting the wisest among humans are those who remember and prepare adequately for death – the end for every mortal.
IMC commissioning excites Bauchi Chief, lauds TMC
The commissioning was attended by Islamic scholars and dignitaries from different parts of the country, including traditional leaders such as the District Head of Dambam Local Government in Bauchi State, Alhaji Bappah Idris Musa; the Olowu of Owu, Prof Saka Matemilola land represented by the Akogun of Owu, High Chief Raubeel Ishola Akinsipo, among others.
For his part, the northern traditional leader who came all the way from Bauchi said he was happy to see TMC as a serious organisation giving back to the community and mankind as a whole.
Alhaji Bappah said cemeteries are for the general wellbeing of the public, calling on government to support organisations investing in such project.
“Well, we will always call on the government to intervene since the cemetery is a public facility. Cemeteries are for the general wellbeing of the public. So, government should come in. And now that the local government is getting autonomy, more funds will come in and they should be able to support,” he said.
Alhaji Idris Musa
“I call on all Muslim organisations to emulate TMC. TMC is at the forefront in providing the needs of communities. So, other Muslim organisations should emulate them.”
Olowu urges other Muslim bodies to emulate TMC
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Prof. Saka Matemilola, in a message presented by High Chief Akinsipo urged the community to own the cemetery project and protect it with all they have.
He congratulated TMC for what he called a standard Muslim cemetery, calling on other Islamic organisations in the country to emulate them.
“On behalf of the Olowu, I want to congratulate TMC and charge all other Muslim organisations and even individuals to emulate this. Where you cannot establish a standard cemetery like this, contribute your widow’s might because whatever is contributed to the cause of the Almighty Allah is in vain.
“The host community should be grateful to the Almighty Allah, first and foremost. They should also be grateful to TMC. The community should see this project as their own project because they will die and be buried. In fact, they should be thinking of giving them extra land — not even selling to them. If they understand the need to be buried in a proper cemetery, they would give the land free of charge because they would die and they would be buried.
“If you are buried in the house, your children may not have time for that house. So, it’s either they sell it off or they abandon it. Each of them will be facing his own business. When they abandon it, your grave in the house is also abandoned.
High Chief Akinsipo
“All those graves in compounds, 99.9 per cent of them are never visited the day after the burial. So, there is no care. But if you are buried in a standard cemetery like this, there is care and you enjoy the benefit of prayers at intervals. At least, in a month, a new corpse will be brought down to the cemetery. Each time this is done, prayers are offered, not just to the newly dead person but to all others corpses present there. So it is ignorance that makes us bury our corpses in the house. So, get yourself buried in a proper cemetery.”
Sheikh Shafi’i acknowledges foresight of founding fathers of TMC
The Grand Mufti of the Conference of Islamic Organisations, CIO, Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi’i was full of thanks to Almighty Allah for the commissioning of the project, acknowledging the foresight of the founding fathers of the organisation for laying a strong foundation with human and spiritually inspired initiatives.
He said, “I want to, especially appreciate our Sheikh, Abdul Fatah Thanni. He is here with us today. May Allah spare his life for good, he is the brain behind this initiative. He has been guiding and advising us and we have been following his guide.
Speaking further, Sheikh Shafi’i said that the challenges of having a befitting burial ground for Muslims after their demise gave birth to the Muslim cemetery with an idea formulated several years ago before its actualisation today.
He said, “When our father Sheikh Thanni saw the not-so-right way we go about Hajj rite in Nigeria, he proposed that we have a standard hajj service. We came up with Hajj Mabrur Ventures. When people were nonchalant about Zakat, he said we should have a Zakat foundation, we came up with Zakat and Sadaqat foundation. When people were not slaughtering the sacrificial animals well, we came up with a platform called “bay’ul adho’i”, we started the ram business where we sell healthy and cheap rams and cows for Eidul Adha.
Sheikh Shafi’i
“Ustadh Tirmidhi who delivered the first lecture, was the first person sent to the Ram market to go and enlighten people on the type of ram that is fit for slaughtering. We came up with Al-Barakah Cooperative on finance and economy before it became Al-Barakah Microfinance Bank.
“When it came to the issue of having a befitting burial ground for the Muslims, we had a lot of challenges, we did seminars all over the South West, and we did practical janazah sessions to enlighten people. And, in the end, we felt it was the best move for us to have a standard graveyard for the Muslims. After several years of striving, the idea of many years finally materialises today. We are indeed grateful to Almighty Allah.”
I felt fulfilled seeing one of TMC’s objectives being achieved: Sheikh Thanni
In his goodwill message, Chairman, Council of Ulamah in Nigeria, Sheikh Abdul Fatah Thanni, said he felt fulfilled that the objectives for which TMC was established are being achieved every now and then.
“I am very happy and feel fulfilled because TMC, from the beginning, we were there, and the dream is becoming true,” he stated.
“We set out to revive the tradition and principles of Islam, which is the way of life for humans that Allah (SWT) has prescribed. That is what TMC was established for; to serve Muslims and humanity. We are celebrating one of the institutions that has been created in that direction today.”
Sheikh Thanni
It’ll address shortage of standard cemeteries: Shuaib
On his part, Dr. Abdullahi Shuaib, the outgoing Executive Director of Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation, said the new project will address the shortage in standard Muslim cemeteries in the Lagos/Ogun axis of the country.
He said TMC’s cemetery met the minimum requirements of Islamic principles for building a cemetery.
“This is a new project and it is a welcome development. It is a plus for the Muslim community around this axis because Muslims either in Lagos or Ogun State have a shortage in standard Muslim cemeteries where they can bury their loved ones.
“This is just one out of several cemeteries that Muslims desire to have in this part of the world. It has met the minimum requirements of Islamic principles for building a cemetery.
Dr. Shuaib
“For those of us who have been the pioneers of this beneficial project, nobody knows whether he’s going to be a beneficiary because no one knows when the Angel of Death will come visiting. This project has been conceived for the past two decades. We are very happy that it has begun to manifest at this particular time. Whether we are buried here or not, the record is there that we were part of the people that initiated the project.”
Govt should put end to unhealthy practice of burying corpses at homes: Akintunde
The Secretary, Ogun State Muslim Council, Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde called on the government, at different levels, to put an end to the unhealthy practice of burying the dead at homes, in compounds and within residential areas.
Alhaji Akintunde submitted that the practice has consequential effects on the health and psychology of dwellers and hinders structural development.
He feels the dead should be laid to rest in cemeteries or graveyards and therefore urged the local and state government to ensure the implementation of existing proscription act.
According to him, “Burying deceased family members at home and within the compound has become our tradition in this part of the world and I am very much aware that the practice is now against the laws of the land, but the implementation of such laws is where we are lacking. So, the local governments, with full backing of the state government, should ensure the proscription of burials within homes and compounds, so that facilities like this one can be fully patronised.
Alhaji Akintunde
“Burial in homes have its psychological, structural and health implications. So, government should come out in full force and put an end to this dangerous practice.”
He stated that the grave is the final abode for everyone and proposed that government should be more intentional about it, they should go through the procedure of acquiring land for cemeteries, since it is for public use.
“The grave is a resting place, the final abode for everyone, so, we have to be very intentional about it. Since every piece of land constitutionally belongs to the government, I feel government has what it takes to seek for the tenancy or ownership of this piece of land, because it is for public use and I see such venture as a public venture.
“In short, government knows the procedure and have what it takes to acquire any piece of land required. I see that as a futuristic initiative geared towards national development.
We’re dedicated to preserving human dignity beyond mortality: Amir
Earlier in his welcome address, the Amir of TMC, Alhaji Abdulwasi’ Bangbala, said the event does not only represent a celebration of a physical space, but also a demonstration of TMC’s commitment to the society as a whole, and dedication to preserving human dignity beyond mortality.
“The establishment of this cemetery is a reflection of these values, providing a sacred space for the community to honour our departed. This cemetery stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder of our responsibilities to one another. It is a place where families can find solace and where the faithful reflect and pay solemn respect to the departed as it is consistent with our spiritual values,” the Amir said.
Bangbala noted that the story of IMC began at the Ikorodu local chapter of The Muslim Congress, and thereafter championed under the national leadership of the immediate past Amir, Dr. Lukman AbdurRaheem.
“The story of the IMC started with a spark, in one of our local chapters – Ikorodu Local Government. An idea that took root in a shared aspiration of our organisation. So, this is not just another project, it was a long-held dream yearning to find expression. The National Headquarters of TMC under the leadership of the immediate past Amir, Dr Lukman AbdurRaheem, embraced the initiative, took the reins and then under my stewardship, we steered the monumental project forward.
“The road to realization was fraught with many challenges, beginning with fundraising struggles which saw our dedicated members contributing their resources, alongside the generous support of well-meaning individuals who understood the significance of our mission. Yet, as we acquired the land that would become the home of the IMC, we faced unexpected hurdles.
Bangbala with former Amir TMC, Engr. AbdulGaniy Sadiq Atitebi
“The poor state of the access road became a formidable obstacle, causing significant delays and financial strain. Each attempt to transport materials was met with frustration, yet determination fuelled our perseverance. With a deep sense of purpose and collective effort, we navigated these trials, and today, we stand proudly on 10 acres of land—a proof of our resilience and commitment.
“The IMC has finally come to fruition, a milestone which marks the realization of our vision. We are proud to introduce the International Muslim Cemetery, a name chosen with great intention, as it signifies our aspiration to uphold universal standards of excellence in the services we provide.”
The National Amir explained that the aspiration of TMC is to replicate the project in other parts of the country for Muslim communities to have access to dignified burial grounds.
He appreciated all the dignitaries who came from far and near to grace the occasion, praying Allah to reward them abundantly for their sacrifice.
Other beautiful faces at the event
L-R: Imam Munirudeen Thabit, Naibul Imam Remo land, Amir of TMC, Alh AbdulWasiu Bangbala; Sheikh Abdul Fattah Thanni, Dr Abdullah Shuaib and Prof AbdulLateef Adeyemo of UNIBEN
Cross-section of male participants
