By Salisu Sani-Idris
Abuja – An Abuja-based Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Yahya Al-Yolawi, has commiserated with the Kano State Government and the immediate family of the late Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, who died on Monday at a Cairo hospital, Egypt.
The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that the remains of the late elder statesman was buried on Tuesday, July 4.
Al-Yolawi, who is also the Chief Imam of Area 10 Garki Mosque, expressed his sympathy while delivering the Juma’at sermon entitled: “The Benefit of Remembering Death in Islam,” on Friday in Abuja.
The cleric said that the deceased had lived a life worthy of emulation, adding that he was a great man and a patriot, who contributed to the development of the country.
“On behalf of the Mosque Committee and Area 10 Muslim Community, I want to condole with the Kano State Government and the immediate family of the late Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, who passed away on Monday.
“May Allah, the most high, have mercy on him, forgive his shortcomings and grant him entry into paradise, as well as blessed his family after him,” Al-Yolawi prayed.
He said that death was not an end to the existence of mankind, adding that it was a passage, which takes human beings to the grave and then to the world hereafter.
“Whether we like it or not, death will certainly come to everyone of us. Success or failure at the time of death, depends on how much a Muslim prepared before that day.
“Preparing for death is a lifetime assignment. It begins on the day one reaches the age of adolescence, where he will be responsible for his deeds for the rest of his or her life.
“Once death arrives, the opportunity to do well or worship ceases. lt will be too late to repent and our final destination depends largely on the kind of beliefs and actions exhibited in this present life”.
The cleric admonished Muslims to reduce inclination to worldly materials from their hearts with a view to ensuring peace and godliness in their heart.
Al-Yolawi also urged Muslims to inculcate the spirit of humility and humbleness and shun all forms of arrogance and oppression in their relationship with fellow human beings. (NAN)