President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, led eminent Nigerians to the three-day Fidau prayers for the late Islamic preacher, Muhydeen Bello, who died on Friday at the age of 84, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The PUNCH reports that Bello died of an undisclosed illness in Ibadan, the state capital, and was buried at his residence at Akobo-Ojurin in the Lagelu Local Government Area of the state.
Tinubu was represented at the occasion, held at the main bowl of Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hazmat, and former Inspector General of Police, Musilu Smith.
In his address, the National Missioner of Ansar U Deen Society, Abdulrahman Olanrewaju, said there was no section of either Koran or Hadith that supported 3rd, 8th or 40th prayers for the repose of the dead.
He stated that Islam detests ceremonial burial, and, therefore, stressed the need for the religious leaders to uphold the tenets of Islam.
“Bello, during his lifetime, championed crusade against flamboyant burial.
It will be counted against us as sin if we (followers) do contrary, especially now that he is gone.
“Also, there is no section of either Koran or Hadith that supports 3rd, 8th or 40th Fidau prayers. We are only mixing culture with the religion.
“We are not doing any sermon here today, so that we will not be misquoted that what Bello preached against in his lifetime is what we are doing,” Olanrewaju stressed.
Other dignitaries in attendance were the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde; representative of Osun State Governor, Kanaldeen Adekilekun; representative of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Anafi Elegushi,and Kamil Oloso.
Also in attendance were the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, AbdulGaniy Ajigbotomokekere; the state Commissioner for Education, Soliu Adelabu; the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Ademola Ige; politicians; Islamic preachers; scholars; captains of Industries and a host of others.
