By Salisu Hassan, Ph.D Abdullahi Aminchi Road Funtua
“Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rāji‘ūn — We come from Allah and to Him we shall return.”
When calamity strikes, the people of faith turn to these words for strength. But there are moments when the weight of loss stretches the limits of our endurance—moments when the passing of a single man feels like the dimming of a thousand lamps. Such is the case with the death of Sheikh Goni Saidu Musa, the Chief Imam of Funtua JIBWIS Central Mosque, who returned to his Lord on 10th November, 2025 (19th Jumada al-Awwal 1447 AH).
Without doubt, the death of our learned scholars (ulama) is a catastrophe for the Ummah. And today, the people of Funtua, Katsina State, and indeed Muslims across Nigeria mourn a giant whose footprints can never be erased.
A Man of Rare Character and Generosity
Late Sheikh Goni Saidu Musa was a man endowed with noble qualities that are rare to find in a single individual. Known for his boundless generosity, he gave with open hands and a sincere heart. It was this generosity—both of wealth and of spirit—that earned him admiration far beyond the circles of those who shared his school of thought. Even those who differed with him respected him deeply.
A Reconciliator Blessed with Wisdom
The late Imam was also a gifted peacemaker. His wisdom in dispute resolution earned him a revered role as an adviser to Sharia Court judges. Many marital conflicts were settled peacefully through his counsel—marriages saved from the brink of divorce, relationships restored, and families kept intact. Numerous civil disputes were resolved through his gentle guidance, sparing many from prolonged court battles. His mission was always unity, fairness, and social harmony.
A Pillar of Knowledge and the Modern Islamic Education Movement
Perhaps his greatest legacy lies in the realm of knowledge. Sheikh Goni Saidu Musa was among the early scholars who worked tirelessly to modernize the traditional Tsangaya system into structured Islamiyyah schools. His vision transformed Islamic learning in the Funtua , Katsina State and the region at large .
The educational institutions he founded stand today as monuments of his lifelong commitment:
Madarasatu Tarbiyyatul Islamiyya
Higher Islam College
Imam Science and Arts College
Imam Sa’idu College of Education, Funtua — among the pioneering privately-owned NCE-awarding institutions
Through these institutions, he produced hundreds of teachers, Qur’an memorizers, Islamic jurists, Imams, and scholars. Among his notable students are:
The present Chief Imam of Funtua (his son)
Dr. Ibrahim Hassan, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University
Sheikh Ishaq Suleiman
Malam Umar Sa’id
Malam Nasir Said
Dr. Mustapha Saidu
Alh. Umar Imam, Director, Muslim Community College of Health Science and Technology, Funtua
Prof. Usman Zuraini, BUK
Dr. Almisiri, Provost, Abdullahi Aminchi College of Advanced Studies, Funtua
Sheikh Sani Suleiman
Sheikh Nasir Abdurrahman Alqalam University Katsina
…and many others whose contributions continue to illuminate the Ummah.
Sheikh Goni Saidu Musa also served as a Chief Judge of the National Qur’anic Competition, a role that reflected his deep mastery of the Qur’an and his national standing among scholars.
A Final Farewell to a Father, Scholar, and Leader
The late Imam left behind 26 children, 3 wives, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who continue his lineage of honor. His funeral prayer witnessed an unprecedented turnout—one of the largest in the history of the community. People came from far and near, scholars and laymen alike, to bid farewell to a man whose life touched theirs in ways words cannot fully capture.
As we mourn him, we also celebrate the immense light he brought into this world.
May Allah forgive all his shortcomings, widen his grave, elevate his rank among the righteous, and reward him with Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
Ameen.
