NAIROBI – Jamia Mosque Nairobi Imam Sheikh Muhammad Swalihu who died early today was this evening laid to rest at Karioko Muslim Cemetery.
Thousands of Muslims faithful earlier on thronged Jamia mosque to bid farewell to the imam.
The Vice Chairman of Jamia Mosque Abdulatif Esajee described the deceased imam as a humble, pious and down to earth person who always extended helping hand to the downtrodden people in the society.
“Sheikh Swalihu was kindhearted and humble person who helped the underprivileged people in the society and contributed to the stability of the mosque” said Esajee.
Muslim leaders led by former National Assembly majority leader and Defence Cabinet Secretary nominee Aden Duale also attended the Janaza prayer.
Earlier on , top leaders in the country led by President William Ruto conveyed their condolences to the family, relatives and the entire Muslim ummah for the demise of the imam.
Condolences to the family, friends and the Jamia Mosque Faithful for the loss of Imam Sheikh Muhammad Swalihu. May Allah grant you comfort at this painful time. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/LC0hmTcILq
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) October 11, 2022
Barrage of condolences continued to pour for the better part of the day following the announcement of the death of the imam Garissa Township MP Aden Duale, Kamukunji MP Yussuf Hassan, Garissa Senator Abdull Yussuf Hajji and Mandera governor Adan Khalif were among top political brass who sent their condolences.
Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un following the death of Sheikh Mohammad Swahilu, the imam of Masjid Jamia – the largest Masjid in our country.
He was a Muslim scholar of great repute and an elder. We will dearly miss his religious counsel and pieces of advice. pic.twitter.com/SpOcKLqqak
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) October 11, 2022
To Him we belong, to Him we shall return. Deeply saddened to hear the passing of the popular Muslim leader, Sheikh Muhammad Swalihu, the Imam of Nairobi Jamia Mosque. May Allah grant him the highest place in Paradise and give strength to his family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/KkoeRBvcAh
— Yusuf Hassan (@MPyusufhassan) October 11, 2022
إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
Sadden by the news of the death of our long serving Imam of Jamia Mosque Nairobi, Sheikh Mohamed Swalihu. My condolences to the family. May Allah forgive and have mercy on him and elevate his station among those who are guided. Ameen pic.twitter.com/llnSjo8wEj— Abdul Haji (@abdulhaj) October 11, 2022
Innaa Lillahi Wainaa Ilahi Raajiuun.May Almighty Allah rest his soul in Janatul Firdous. Amiin. https://t.co/rV9pP55XFJ
— H.E Mohamed Adan Khalif (@MohamedAKhalif) October 11, 2022
Sheikh Swalihu has been at the helm of the Jamia Mosque imamship since 1995 and has been lauded as a leader who built stability in the mosque.
His job at the mosque included; leading five daily prayers, delivering Friday sermons and presiding over Nikkah ceremonies.
He was diagnosed with cancer in the 2020 and has been in and out of hospitals battling the disease.
His Deputy Sheikh Jamaludin Osman was appointed as the temporary imam until the resumption of Sheikh Swalihu to the imamship position.
The deceased imam Sheikh Swalihu’s last lecture at Jamia mosque was this year’s holy month of Ramadan.
He is survived by five children; Three boys and two girls and Widow.