By Uzair Adam
A 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 elder statesman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, who died earlier in the day in Dubai.
The Daily Reality gathered Dantata is expected to be buried in Saudi Arabia.
The prayer, held at the Umar Bin Khaddab Mosque in Gyadi-Gyadi, was led by the Chairman of the Kano Council of Ulama, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil.
In his remarks, Sheikh Khalil extolled Dantata’s legacy, describing him as a peacemaker and a generous leader who often used his personal wealth to resolve conflicts and support those in need.
“He was someone who used his wealth and influence to promote peace and assist those in distress,” he 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.”
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who was also in attendance, described the passing of Dantata as a national tragedy.
“This is a loss that affects the whole nation. The only thing we can do now is to pray that Allah forgives him, rewards his good deeds, and grants him Aljannatul Firdaus. May Allah also give us the strength to bear this huge loss,” he added.
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 has created a vacuum in the business community.
He stated that, “Kano, Nigeria, and even the world lost a great leader. He resolved many conflicts between communities and the business sector. He contributed immensely to Islam and humanity. We can only continue to pray for him.”
Also speaking, Sheikh Ibrahim Aminu Daurawa explained the significance of Salatul Ga’ib, noting that it was first performed by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) after the death of King Najashi of Abyssinia.
“It remains a Sunnah for Muslims to perform this prayer when someone dies in a distant place and is buried there,” he said.
Other dignitaries at the event included House of Representatives member Kabiru Alhassan Rurum and former Kano State Secretary to the Government, Baffa Bichi.
Notably, there was no visible representation from the Kano State Government. Neither Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, his deputy, nor the Secretary to the State Government attended the prayer.