Murtala MUhammed 50 years after: Why mosque, Islamiyya school were built beside Murtala’s tomb – Chief imam

Imam Kabiru Badamasi Dantaura, the Chief Imam of Murtala Muhammad Mosque in Hausawa, Kano, speaks on the life and qualities of Nigeria’s late Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammad. He also speaks on the significance of the mosque built beside his tomb.   Who was the late General Murtala Muhammad? Everybody knew that late […]

Imam Kabiru Badamasi Dantaura, the Chief Imam of Murtala Muhammad Mosque in Hausawa, Kano, speaks on the life and qualities of Nigeria’s late Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammad. He also speaks on the significance of the mosque built beside his tomb.

 

Who was the late General Murtala Muhammad?

Everybody knew that late Murtala was a trustworthy person who had integrity and patriotism. He was also very religious. In fact, it was because of that he was killed while on his way to a mosque.

 

What kind of qualities did Murtala have?

Murtala had integrity. He ruled without stealing, treated everyone fairly, and was patriotic. Even the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) says, “Patriotism is part of Iman (belief).” Murtala was very patriotic. Knowing this history helps people understand what their hero did.

 

How did this mosque come into being?

As the Chief Imam of this mosque built for and named after Murtala, I can say that when he died, his relative, the current Sarkin Fadan Kano, said they went to meet the then Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero. Someone suggested using his brother’s farm, late Magajin Garin Kano, Inuwa Wada. After Murtala was buried, the foundation of the mosque was raised.

 

Who built the mosque?

This is the people’s mosque. It was jointly built by the federal government and some philanthropists.

 

Why was the mosque built beside his tomb?

The wisdom behind building the mosque close to his tomb is for him to get blessings and constant prayers from worshippers. During Ramadan and other times, people keep the place lively, pray for him, and recite Qur’an for him. It is just the blessing of Allah who chose him for this.

 

What specific rites are performed for him at the mosque?

We pray for him every day, specifically after every Juma’at prayer and after our regular Qur’anic recitations here. People also come from different places to visit his tomb and pray for him. Every February, special prayers are held for him in this mosque and in other places. Anytime we complete Qur’anic recitation, we hold special prayers asking God to forgive him.

 

What are you doing this year to commemorate his 50th anniversary?

Since this year marks his 50th anniversary, last Friday we held a special prayer for him where family members, relatives, and well-wishers attended. Afterwards, they proceeded to his tomb to pray for him there. I know other members of his family, both immediate and extended, as well as the government, will also host other prayer sessions for him.

 

What lessons can younger generations learn from him?

Murtala ruled for only a few months, but he did a lot of good things which history still remembers. He ruled with fairness, fear of God, and fought injustice. If you rule badly, that is how you will be remembered. Whoever understands the power of a president and then comes to see his tomb here will learn a lesson: death is inevitable. A leader will not go with his escorts, an emir will not go with palace guards, and clerics will not go with their students. Everybody will go alone.