President Mahama and Northern Region Mourn as Renowned Cleric Sheikh Al-Hajj Saeed Abubakar Zakaria Passes Away

The Muslim community in Ghana, particularly in the Northern Region, is in a state of mourning following the passing of the distinguished Islamic scholar, Sheikh Al-Hajj Saeed Abubakar Zakaria. The revered leader of the Anbariya Mosque in Tamale passed away on September 7, 2026, in Accra. His death marks a significant loss for the Islamic Ummah, as he was widely regarded as a pillar of moral guidance and a scholar of immense depth. President John Mahama and the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, were among the high-ranking officials who gathered at the Accra International Airport to pay their final respects before the Sheikh's remains were transported to Tamale for burial.

Sheikh Zakaria’s burial took place in Tamale in accordance with Islamic traditions and his specific personal directives. Notably, the late cleric had requested that no public gatherings or ceremonies be held following his interment, a wish that both the community and his family strictly honored. This final act of humility was characteristic of a man who dedicated his life to spiritual service and education rather than personal acclaim. Despite the absence of a formal post-burial gathering, the atmosphere in Tamale and across the Northern Region remains one of deep reflection and somber tribute as thousands acknowledge his decades of service.

An alumnus of the prestigious Islamic University of Madina in Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Zakaria was celebrated for his profound contributions to Islamic scholarship. As the head of the Anbariya Mosque, he played a pivotal role in shaping the religious and intellectual landscape of Northern Ghana. His teachings focused not only on the tenets of faith but also on the importance of formal education and ethical living. Under his leadership, the Anbariya community became a hub for learning, producing numerous scholars and community leaders who continue to carry forward his vision of an enlightened and disciplined society.

The legacy of Sheikh Al-Hajj Saeed Abubakar Zakaria is expected to endure through the institutions he built and the many lives he influenced. Tributes from across the country have highlighted his unwavering commitment to peace and his ability to bridge the gap between traditional religious values and contemporary educational needs. As the Muslim community navigates this period of grief, the focus remains on upholding the standards of scholarship and integrity that the Sheikh embodied throughout his life. His passing is seen not just as the end of an era for the Anbariya Mosque, but as a call to the next generation of scholars to maintain the foundations of moral and academic excellence he so meticulously laid.