By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo anipr
Death is an inevitable transaction, hence, no one is free from its shackles.
0n 19th January ,2026 the death had occurred of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih.He died at a hospital in Abuja after brief illness.
His ascension to Imamship in 1983 was a watershed in the anals of history of Ilorin Emirate, because he was in his early 30s as at the time.From the records available and words from some of our elders, he was the longest serving Chief Imam of Ilorin.
Imam Bashir was known for his sonorous voice in the recitation of holy Qur’an.In fact,his recitation was unique, with that he has carved a niche for himself.He was synonymous with that outstanding reputation of voice .A friend once told me that as a child, she usually attends Juma’at Prayer in order to listen to his resonant and deep voice of reciting the Qur’an
He was much more than a teacher,a great spiritualist and a family unifier.Shaykh Saliu was a role model to many in the Arabic and Islamic world as his impact transcends Ilorin Emirate and Kwara state.A great man of wisdom.When he spoke you would just have to listen as used words effortlessly and pragmatically.
*His Generosity*
Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih was a generous personality.He reached out to the less privileged in the society within his capacity.
He was a family man anyone can run to for help.He doesn’t have to know you before he would render help to you. This is not a hearsay but what I knew and witnessed during his lifetime.Imam Bashir’s philosophy about this world was all about impacting on people either through Knowledge and financial aspect
*His Scholarship Programme*
In 1988 he established Shaykh Salih Arabic and Islamic Training Centre, Egbejila, Ilorin, which had produced thousands of students for almost four decades for free.
Students of the institution, do not pay a dime;In 2002 he also established another Arabic and Islamic Studies Centre at Odo-Eri,a Christian dominated area in Kogi State, which is also tuition-free.The school had also turned out thousands of students.
Imam Bashir’s lifestyle was worth aspiring for, because giving back to the society was one of his watchwords .Only a chosen one by the Almighty Allah can be running schools for free for the benefit of downtrodden.I have no doubt that the late Chief Imam of Ilorin would be enveloped in Allah’s mercy in his grave.
*A Symbol of Peace and Piety*
He was kind, pious and Magnanimous as he contributed to communal peace, education, and development.During his lifetime he has resolved many family disputes within and outside his community.I witnessed that on many occasions.Shaykh Bashir had also facilitated thousands of employment opportunities for many young people.
Significantly,he was very loyal to the Emir of Ilorin,Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR and Shaykh Alimi Ibn Janta dynasty.He was never an arrogant spiritual leader.A humble servant of Allah .
He was an icon of unity and peaceful co-existence.He United the scholars within and outside Ilorin Emirate because he doesn’t believe in segregation.
Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih will be missed for his contribution to Islam and humanity.
