Sheikh Muhammad Swalihu of Jamia Mosque dies

Imam Sheikh Muhammad Swalihu of Jamia Mosque Nairobi has died.

The renowned Imam died on Tuesday morning in Nairobi following a battle with cancer.

Born in 1949 in Lamu East, the cleric has served as Imam since 1995.

He specialised in Fiqh (Islamic Law) and other Islamic studies including Hadith, Tawheed, and Seerah.

He taught Islamic-related topics around the areas of his study in his broadcasts. He would also frequently give sermons during Friday prayers at Jamia Mosque.

Tributes poured in for the late Imam with Jamia Mosque Deputy Imam, Sheikh Jamaludin Osman, writing: “We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. The eyes are shedding tears and the heart is grieved. We will not say anything except what pleases our Lord. Indeed we are grieved by your separation.”

“May Allah have mercy on his soul, forgive his sins and grant his family and loved ones sabr (patience) and strength to bear the loss,” Ummi Wabomba, a journalist and businesswoman, wrote on Twitter.

On her part, outgoing Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, Innovation and Youth Affairs Nadia Ahmed Abdalla prayed that the late Imam soul rests in peace.

Funeral prayers for Imam Swalihu will be held on Tuesday at Jamia Mosque after the 4 pm prayers, ahead of his burial at Kariokor Muslim Cemetery.