Nigerian Muslims have warned against burying former governor Abiola Ajimobi in the mosque.
Following the announcement by Abiola Ajimobi’s family that the remains of the late former governor of Oyo state would be buried on Sunday, June 28, inside a mosque, Nigerian Muslims have expressed their concerns.
Recall Ajimobi’s media aide, Bolaji Tunji, said his former boss would be buried at the Senator Ishaq Abiola Ajimobi Central Mosque, Oke-Ado, Ibadan by 12 noon.
However some Nigerian Muslims described the move to bury the former governor in the mosque as a forbidden act, adding that such action would render the mosque useless.
while reacting to the development, an Islamic cleric, Ustadh IbrahimTijaani, said Prophet Muhammad forbade Muslims from burying their dead inside the mosque and building mosque over graves, adding that the prophet of Allah cursed whoever buries their dead in the mosque.
He said:
“The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) forbade burying people in the mosque and building mosque over graves; he also cursed those who do that. That was when he was on his deathbed and warned his ummah.
“He (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) stated that this was the action of the Jews and Christians and it was also a means that leads to associating others with Allah. Building mosque over graves and burying the dead inside mosques leads to associating the occupants of these graves in worship with Allah, may He be glorified and exalted.
“People may come to believe that the occupants of these graves who are buried inside the mosque can bring benefit or cause harm, or that they have some special status which means that people should seek to draw close to them by doing acts of worship and obedience to them instead of Allah, may He be glorified and exalted.”
Tijaani said the Muslims must beware of this dangerous phenomenon and ensure that the mosques are free of graves and are established on the basis of Tawheed and sound belief.
“Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And the mosques are for Allaah (Alone), so invoke not anyone along with Allaah” (Al-Jinn 72:18).”
“The mosque should be for Allah alone, may He be glorified and exalted, and free of any manifestations of shirk, places where Allah alone is worshipped with no partner or associate. This is what is required of the Muslims. And Allah is the source of strength,” he added.
