Respected Nigerian Islamic Scholar Sheikh Abdul Rasheed Hadiyatullah Passes Away.
The Nigerian Muslim community is mourning the loss of Sheikh Abdul Rasheed Hadiyatullah, the esteemed President of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), who passed away on Monday, 28 April 2025. The announcement was made by Sheikh Daood Imran Molaasan, the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, in a heartfelt statement issued that evening.
Sheikh Hadiyatullah, a revered scholar and jurist, was born on 13 October 1944 in Iwo, a town in Osun State renowned for its rich Islamic heritage. His early education began at Anwaru Islam School in Ilorin, where he studied Arabic and Western education from 1952 to 1958. He furthered his Islamic studies at the Mahad Arabic Islamic Institute in Ibadan under Sheikh Murtadah Abdulsalam before earning a Diploma in Arabic at the University of Ibadan. His academic journey culminated at the Islamic University of Madinah in Saudi Arabia, where he obtained a B.A. (Hons) in Shariah Law, a B.A. (Hons) in Theology and Islamic Missionary Studies, and a Diploma in Islamic Dawah between 1966 and 1972.
Known for his profound knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence and his calm, principled leadership, Sheikh Hadiyatullah was a towering figure in Nigeria’s religious landscape. He championed the advancement of Shari’ah law within Nigeria’s constitutional framework while promoting interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence among the country’s diverse religious communities. His contributions extended beyond religious teachings, influencing national discourse on unity and social justice.
Sheikh Molaasan described the loss as significant, noting, “Sheikh Hadiyatullah earned respect across Nigeria and beyond for his erudition and dedication. His leadership style fostered peace and understanding.” The statement did not disclose the exact time or place of his passing but included prayers for Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Jannatul Firdaus, the highest paradise.
Tributes have poured in from across Nigeria, with many highlighting Sheikh Hadiyatullah’s legacy as a mentor and advocate for the Muslim Ummah. His tenure as SCSN President, which began in January 2022 following the death of Dr Ibrahim Datti Ahmad, was marked by efforts to unify Muslims and address political and social challenges facing the community.
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, incorporated in 2005, remains a pivotal organisation dedicated to promoting Shari’ah-compliant laws and resolving issues affecting Muslims. Sheikh Hadiyatullah’s leadership was instrumental in advancing these objectives, leaving an indelible mark on the council’s mission.
Funeral arrangements have not been publicly detailed, but sources indicate that Sheikh Hadiyatullah was buried according to Islamic rites shortly after his passing, in line with Sunnah traditions. The Muslim community in Iwo and beyond continues to hold prayers in his honour.
As Nigeria reflects on his contributions, Sheikh Hadiyatullah’s life serves as a testament to the power of scholarship, faith, and unity in fostering a harmonious society.
