Council of Muslim Organisations (CMO) has commended Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for what it described as his swift medical attention and concern for the late Chief Imam of Ilorin, Shaykh (Dr) Muhammad Bashir Imam Salih, OON, during the critical period preceding his death.
In a condolence message released on Wednesday and signed by its Coordinator, Hon Justice Idris Abdullahi Haroon (rtd.), the council said the governor’s intervention reflected compassion, responsible leadership and respect for religious institutions and their leaders.
The CMO described the death of the Chief Imam as the exit of a titan, noting that his passing was received with profound sorrow and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah. It said the revered cleric was a towering Islamic scholar, exemplary spiritual leader and outstanding servant of Islam and humanity.
According to the council, the late Chief Imam was known for his rare qualities, immense scholarly attainments and unblemished integrity. It noted that he devoted his life to the pursuit and propagation of knowledge, having been nurtured under the tutelage of Shaykh Muhammad Kamaldeen Habeebullah Al-Adabiy.
The statement recalled that Shaykh Imam Salih served as the Grand Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate and its environs, as well as Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Ulama, for over four decades, during which he promoted moral rectitude, peaceful coexistence and the advancement of humanity.
It also highlighted his distinctive, melodious Qur’anic recitation which endeared him to many.
The Council condoled with the Emir of Ilorin on the loss of what it described as a trusted confidant and dependable adviser on religious and moral affairs, adding that the emirate had lost a pillar of wisdom whose counsel was always rooted in knowledge and sincerity.
It also extended condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the Ilorin Emirate, the Muslim Ummah and the nation at large, praying that Allah forgives his shortcomings, accepts his contributions as acts of worship and grants him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
The CMO further prayed for fortitude for all those affected by the loss, concluding with the Islamic supplication: Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.
