Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
Across Northern Nigeria, an extraordinary display of Islamic mourning traditions unfolded as millions gathered in Gombe and Plateau states to perform Salat al-Gha’ib (absentee funeral prayers) for former President Muhammadu Buhari, who was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.
This deeply spiritual practice, rooted in the Maliki school of Islamic jurisprudence, brought together vast congregations in prayer grounds, as the faithful paid their last respects to the departed leader.
In Gombe, the central Eid prayer ground became a sea of mourners as prominent Islamic clerics led the solemn rites. A similar scene played out in Plateau State, where thousands gathered at a prayer ground in Jos. The emotional gatherings underscored the deep reverence many in the North held for Buhari, whose leadership was often framed in moral and religious terms.
Among the crowds, heartfelt tributes flowed for the former president, remembered by many as a symbol of integrity and simplicity.
Abubakar Aliyu, a resident of Gombe who participated in the prayers, spoke with deep conviction: “Buhari was a righteous leader, a man who freed himself from corruption that plagues our nation. He led by example, with pure intentions for Northern Nigeria and the country as a whole. Today, we pray that Allah accepts his deeds and grant him eternal peace.”
In Plateau State, Adamu Hamakhan, reflected on Buhari’s legacy saying “He was a just man and a man of development. Though he faced many challenges, his honesty was never in doubt. We ask Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him comfort in the grave.”
While the Salat al-Gha’ib resonated across the North, Buhari’s physical remains were buried in his private house in Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites. The burial, attended by close family, government officials, and traditional leaders, marked the end of a historic chapter in Nigerian politics.
The mass participation in the absentee funeral prayers highlights the enduring influence of Buhari’s person as a leader widely perceived as incorruptible, disciplined, and deeply faithful. For many in Northern Nigeria, the rituals were not just about bidding farewell but also reaffirming the values he symbolized: accountability, humility, and service.
As the prayers concluded, the echoes of “Ameen” (May Allah accept) lingered in the air, a final collective plea for a leader whose life and legacy will continue to spark both admiration and debate in the years to come.