By Anas Abbas
The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has appointed Sheikh Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar as its new president following the passing of its former leader, Sheikh Abdul Rasheed Hadiyatullah, on Monday.
In an official statement issued by Malam Nafiu Baba Ahmed, the Secretary General of SCSN, the council expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Sheikh Hadiyatullah, emphasizing that his death is a significant loss not only to the council but also to the broader Muslim community in Nigeria and beyond.
The statement included prayers for Allah (SWT) to forgive Sheikh Hadiyatullah’s shortcomings and grant him a place in Jannatul Firdaus.
The announcement confirmed that Dr. Bashir’s appointment was made in accordance with the council’s constitution and established protocols.
“Sheikh Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar OON has been unanimously endorsed as the new President of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria,” the statement read.
The council expressed full confidence in Dr. Bashir’s leadership abilities, scholarly expertise, and steadfast dedication to the principles of Shari’ah and justice.
Dr. Bashir is a distinguished scholar in Islamic studies and finance, holding a Ph.D. in Hadith and Islamic Studies from the Islamic University of Madinah.
He has been actively involved in various committees concerning Shari’ah and Islamic banking both nationally and internationally, including serving on the Shari’ah Advisory Committee of Stanbic IBTC Bank and the Council of Experts on Islamic Banking at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).