Sheikh Abdur Rasheed Hadiyyatullah Iwo, Prominent Nigerian Islamic Scholar, Passes Away

Sheikh Abdur Rasheed Hadiyyatullah Iwo, a distinguished Nigerian Islamic scholar and President of the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria, has passed away. He also served as the Director of Sheikh Ibn Baz Shariah College of Nigeria, where he played a pivotal role in Islamic education and community leadership.

A statement from the Sheikh Ibn Baz Shariah College described Sheikh Hadiyyatullah’s lifelong commitment to the service of Islam through dawah, teaching, and sincere guidance. The statement praised his profound knowledge, humility, devotion, and generosity, highlighting that his contributions to Islamic scholarship and education have left an indelible mark on generations of students and the wider Muslim community.

The funeral prayer (Janazah) for Sheikh Hadiyyatullah was scheduled for 2:00 PM today at the Shariah College in Iwo, Osun State.

Iwo Town in Nigerian Islam

Iwo Town holds a special place in the history of Islam in southwestern Nigeria. Known for its early embrace of Islam and its thriving tradition of Islamic scholarship, Iwo has produced many influential scholars and religious leaders. The town is home to numerous Islamic institutions and colleges, serving as a major center for Islamic learning and cultural development in Yorubaland. Sheikh Abdur Rasheed Hadiyyatullah continued this legacy, embodying Iwo’s tradition of deep religious knowledge and community leadership.

A Life of Learning and Leadership

Born and raised in Iwo, Sheikh Abdur Rasheed Hadiyyatullah pursued Islamic education from an early age. He was widely known for his scholarship, particularly in Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and Shariah studies. Over the decades, he became a central figure in promoting Shariah principles in Nigeria, eventually rising to lead the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria.
As Director of the Sheikh Ibn Baz Shariah College, he mentored countless students, emphasizing not only academic excellence but also character development, humility, and service to humanity.

Throughout his career, Sheikh Hadiyyatullah advocated for peaceful coexistence, community development, and the strengthening of Islamic institutions. He was respected for his ability to balance deep religious knowledge with practical leadership, often acting as a bridge between religious communities and the broader Nigerian society.

Mourning a Great Loss

The community mourns the passing of a leader whose influence transcended religious instruction. Tributes have poured in, with many praying for Allah (SWT) to forgive him, have mercy upon him, and grant him Jannatul Firdaws. His absence leaves a void in Nigeria’s Islamic scholarly community that will be difficult to fill.