Report from Kano, North West Nigeria says, large crowd of mourners, including politicians, business leaders, and Islamic scholars, gathered in Kano on Saturday to offer Salatul Ga’ib (funeral prayer in absentia) for the late Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, who died earlier in the day in Dubai.
The prayer was led by the Chairman of the Kano Council of Ulama, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, at the Umar Bin Khaddab Mosque in Gyadi-Gyadi, Kano. The deceased is expected to be buried in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking after the prayer, Sheikh Khalil praised the remarkable legacy left by Alhaji Dantata, describing him as a man of peace known for his efforts in reconciliation—efforts he sometimes personally financed to resolve conflicts.
“He was someone who used his wealth and influence to promote peace and assist those in distress,” Khalil said.
He added that, “He once intervened in a crisis in Maiduguri using his personal resources. May Allah forgive him and reward him with Jannatul Firdaus.”
Also speaking, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin described the passing of Dantata as a monumental loss not just to Kano but to the entire country.
“This is a national loss. The only thing we can do now is to pray for Allah to forgive him and reward all his good deeds. We pray Allah grants him Aljannatul Firdaus and gives us the strength to bear this huge loss,” he said.
In an emotional tribute, renowned businessman Alhaji Dalhatu Abubakar, Chairman of Al-Hamsad Group and President of the Coalition of 19 Northern States Chambers of Commerce, said Dantata’s death left a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
“Kano, Nigeria, and even the world lost a great leader,” he said.
“He solved many problems between communities and the business sector. He spent his money to bring peace and contributed immensely to Islam. We can only pray for him now.”
In his remarks, Sheikh Ibrahim Aminu Daurawa educated the public on the essence of Salatul Ga’ib, explaining that the prayer is offered for those whose bodies are not present.
He said the practice dates back to the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who prayed for the King of Abyssinia, Najashi, after his death.
“It has since become a Sunnah for Muslims to gather and pray for someone who dies in a different location,” he explained.
Other dignitaries at the event included member of the House of Representatives, Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, and former Secretary to the Kano State Government, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi.
Despite the significance of the prayer session and the high-profile attendance, It was observed that there was no visible representation from the Kano State Government.
Neither Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, his deputy, nor the Secretary to the State Government were present at the event. – SB
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