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By Abdullah Ahmed
The United States Branch of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressives Union (IEDPU) has held a virtual special prayer session in honour of the late Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Solihu.
The solemn gathering brought together members of the union and Islamic scholars from different locations to pray for the repose of the revered cleric’s soul and to celebrate his enduring legacy of faith, service, and community leadership.
During the session, the IEDPU USA Branch conveyed heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the late Chief Imam, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Kwara State Council of Ulama, as well as all indigenes of Ilorin at home and in the diaspora.
The prayer session was led by Imam Alhaji AbdulAzeez Ajao and Ustaz Lukman Ajao, with notable contributions from respected Islamic scholars, including Sheikh Thaoban Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory and Imam Yahaya Nofihu of the National Council of Nigerian Muslim Organizations (NCNMO), USA.
In their exhortations, the scholars reminded participants of the inevitability of death and the importance of living a life defined by upright character and service to humanity.
They described the late Chief Imam as a deeply pious scholar, compassionate humanitarian, and devoted servant of Allah, whose life was marked by humility, selflessness, tolerance, and an unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and progress.
Sheikh Thaoban Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory, in particular, highlighted the sterling virtues of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Solihu, noting that he was widely respected for his profound knowledge of Islam, moral uprightness, and humility.
He described the late cleric as a model of integrity whose dedication to peace and unity within the Ilorin Emirate and beyond set a worthy example for generations to follow.
Speaking during the programme, the Chairman of the IEDPU USA Branch, Alhaji Lanre Abaya, urged Muslims, especially the youth, to draw inspiration from the exemplary life of the late Chief Imam.
He encouraged them to uphold Islamic values, promote peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths, and commit themselves to sincere service to humanity.
Alhaji Abaya also formally conveyed the condolences of the IEDPU USA Branch to the Emir of Ilorin, the Kwara State Governor, the Ilorin Emirate Council, and the family of the late Chief Imam, urging them to take solace in the impactful and God-fearing life he lived.
In a heartfelt tribute, the Vice Chairperson of the IEDPU USA Branch, Alhaja Ramat Mohammed, offered prayers for the forgiveness and eternal rest of the late Chief Imam.
She praised Allah for His mercy and guidance, emphasising the importance of adhering to the straight path in faith and daily life.
She also appreciated participants for their support and called for sustained unity and collaboration in community development efforts within the emirate.
Concluding the session, the Board of Trustees Chairman of the IEDPU USA Branch, Alhaji Abubakar Oladimeji Mohammed, expressed gratitude to members for their solidarity and active participation, particularly for the special prayers offered for the late Chief Imam.
A former Chairman of the branch and member of the IEDPU USA Advisory Council, Alhaji AbdulFatai Na-Allah, also led prayers for Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and a peaceful hereafter for Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Solihu.
He underscored the profound spiritual and communal impact of the late Imam, noting that his teachings and leadership greatly strengthened community cohesion.
The virtual gathering served not only as a tribute to the late Chief Imam but also as a reaffirmation of the strong bonds uniting members of the IEDPU USA Branch.
The session ended with collective prayers for continued peace, unity, and development in the Ilorin Emirate, Kwara State, and Nigeria at large, as well as Allah’s eternal mercy upon the soul of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Solihu.
