In the stillness that follows a final departure, Nigeria awakens to a profound emptiness—a silence that echoes the loss of one whose life was a testament to integrity, faith, and unwavering service. With bowed heads and humbled hearts, we mourn the passing of His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR—a man whose journey was etched into the annals of history as a beacon of discipline, sacrifice, and moral fortitude.
This day, Nigeria bears witness to the culmination of a life lived in steadfast devotion to Allah, to justice, to the collective good of his people. His departure on the 13th of July, 2025, leaves behind an indelible imprint, a legacy carved into the very fabric of our nation—a legacy rooted in faith and unwavering resolve.
In recalling Buhari’s life, we remember a man whose path was illuminated by the guiding lamp of Islamic virtue. From disciplined soldier to statesman, his existence was a conscious pursuit of righteousness, a reflection of divine trust placed upon him. His life was a luminous thread woven into the tapestry of Nigeria’s history—a history of perseverance, humility, and the firm belief that true leadership is rooted not in power, but in service, humility, and piety.
His unwavering relationship with Allah was evident in every act, every decision—his prayers whispered with sincerity, his fasting undertaken with humility, his reflection in divine guidance unceasing. Such virtues, so deeply ingrained, inspired countless millions, elevating Buhari from the realm of politics to that of a moral exemplar. His steadfast faith and unwavering trust in Divine mercy served as a guiding star through turbulent seasons, reminding us all that endurance is nourished by conviction and hope.
Buhari’s leadership was characterised by quiet strength—by a resilience that refused to yield in the face of adversity. His tenure was marked by a sincere desire to rebuild and renew—a pursuit of justice, transparency, and integrity. Whether as a soldier or as the nation’s president, he served with the conviction that leadership is a sacred trust, bestowed by Allah as a divine obligation—a charge to be borne with humility and responsibility.
Throughout his life, Buhari bore the heavy burdens of service with great dignity and grace. His sacrifices—many hidden, many silent—were acts of devotion to Nigeria’s future. He exemplified the virtues extolled in the Qur’an—truthfulness, patience, humility, and unwavering faith—virtues that endure beyond the material and serve as a moral compass for all who seek righteousness.
Today, we extend our sorrowful condolences to his beloved wife, Her Excellency Hajiya Aisha Buhari, whose steadfast companionship was a pillar of strength; to his children and the extended family, who mourn the loss of a devoted father and husband. We also share in the grief of the Emir and people of Daura, his ancestral land—a region that has lost a son whose life was a testament to service and devotion. The entire state of Katsina, proud of his roots, mourns with heavy hearts—a recognition that Nigeria’s collective grief is intertwined with the loss of a national icon.
We also convey our heartfelt sympathies to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose path was entwined with Buhari’s—whose leadership now bears the weight of this profound void. We pray that Allah grants him strength, patience, and wisdom to lead Nigeria through this time of sorrow, and that divine grace unites us in peace and purpose.
In these moments of mourning, the divine words of the Qur’an resonate with poignant clarity: “Every soul will taste of death. And ye will be paid on the Day of Resurrection only that which ye have fairly earned. Whoso is removed from the Fire and is made to enter Paradise, he indeed is triumphant. The life of this world is but comfort of illusion. ” (Qur’an, Aal Imran, 3:185). These words remind us that life is transient, a fleeting illusion, and that ultimate justice and reward lie with Allah in the Hereafter.
May Allah, in His boundless mercy, forgive Buhari’s shortcomings and envelop his soul in eternal mercy. May He elevate his station in Jannah—Al-Jannatul Firdaus—where the righteous dwell, their deeds shining like stars in the vast night of the divine. May his grave be a garden from the Gardens of Paradise, illuminated by the light of faith and goodness—an eternal sanctuary where peace reigns in accordance with his righteous deeds.
As a nation, we are called to reflect. Buhari’s life was a testament—an enduring doctrine—that true greatness is expressed not in words but in deeds; not in boasts but in humility. His example beckons us to uphold integrity, to serve with sincerity, and to cultivate humility and patience as virtues guiding our collective journey. Nigeria, a land blessed with abundant resources and boundless potential, must now rally around his enduring legacy—drawing strength from virtue, hope, and divine guidance.
This moment urges us to look inward, to renew our commitments—to emulate his unwavering faith, his discipline, his humility. Let us honour his memory by striving for righteousness, by fostering unity, by dedicating ourselves anew to the service of Allah and the nation. Nigeria’s future resilience depends on aligning our lives with the virtues Buhari exemplified—truth, humility, patience, and unwavering trust in Allah’s mercy.
In closing, may Allah, the Most Merciful, grant Buhari eternal peace and reward him for a life dedicated to justice, faith, and morality. May He strengthen us in times of loss, guide our leaders with divine wisdom, and inspire our collective resolve to build a Nigeria that remains steadfast in faith and resilient in purpose.
Let this mournful day be a reminder—a call to cherish the fleeting nature of life, to uphold righteousness, and to trust in Allah’s divine wisdom. As we mourn, let us also renew our hope, trusting that Allah’s mercy encompasses all—and that the noblest of lives are those lived in service to Him.
May Allah forgive him, bless his soul, and grant him the highest station in Paradise. May his light continue to shine as a guiding star for Nigeria and the faithful—an everlasting symbol of moral integrity and divine trust.
Ameen.
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