Kenyan Islamic scholar Sheikh Muhammad Swalihu passes away
NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) – Sheikh Muhammad Swalihu, an eminent Islamic scholar and prayer leader (imam) of Kenya’s largest mosque, has passed away.
He served as imam of the Jamia Mosque for 27 years.
In a statement, the Jamia Mosque Committee of Nairobi announced that Swalihu, who was born in 1949, passed away in Nairobi after a long battle with cancer.
The eminent scholar had specialized in Islamic Law (fiqh) as well as other branches of Islamic studies such as the sayings of the Prophet Peace Be Upon Him (hadith), belief in Islamic monotheism (Tawheed) and the life of the Prophet Peace Be Upon Him (Seerah).
His spiritual teachings made him famous not only in Kenya but across the whole of East Africa.
Swalihu also hosted a popular television program on Horizons TV, which is a leading Islamic channel in Kenya.
Kenyan President William Ruto sent his condolences to the family and friends 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 in this painful time,” Ruto said.
Aden Duale, who has been nominated as the next Kenyan defense minister, said in his condolence message: “We will dearly miss his religious counsel and pieces of advice.”
Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan said he is “deeply saddened to hear the passing of the popular Muslim leader, Sheikh Muhammad Swalihu.”
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