The Ghanaian Minaret

Accra: The Chief Imam of Ghana, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharabutu, attained the age of 106 years on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

The centenarian, however, marked the day in a prayerful and solemn mood due to the passing of a relative named Hajia Safura.

Her passing was announced on April 22, 2025, and her Janaza (funeral prayer) was also said on the same day.

Despite the sad event, Sheikh Sharubutu received well wishes from loved ones, relatives and other prominent figures.

Among them is the President, John Dramani Mahama, who sent a brief message via a Facebook post that read, “Happy Birthday, National Chief Imam”.

The message was attached to a recent photo of the two personalities in a handshake on Eid ul-Fitr day.

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the former vice president, also sent a heartwarming message that read, “Happy 106th birthday to my father, the national Chief Imam, His Eminence Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu.”

He added that “the continuous service to our nation and impact on humanity is a mark of God’s infinite grace upon him. I wish him more blessings and good health in the years ahead.”

The National Chief Imam was born at Accra Cow Lane on April 23, 1919, to Sheikh Imam Nuhu Sharubutu, the Imam-Raatib (regular or residential Imam) of the Accra Central Mosque in the late 1960s to 1982.

His mother was Hajja Ayishatu Abbass, popularly known as Mma Tasidi, a sister of then Greater Accra Regional Imam, who also rose to be called the National Imam (from late 1933 to 1960), Sheikh Imam Muhammed Abbas, popularly known as Mallam Muhammad Mazawaje.

Young Osmanu started his education at home with his father during the day and with his mother at night.

It was widely reported and confirmed by Sheikh Osmanu himself that his mother was given to the father by his uncle, the late Imam Abbas Mazawaje, who saw in his father a high sense of piety and qualities of leadership.

Sheikh Nuhu Sharubutu, the father of young Osmanu, was a prominent student of Sheikh Imam Abbas Mazawaje and became a member of the House.

Young Osmanu grew up to be a truly Islamic model and a unique Islamic heavyweight in knowledge and wisdom worthy of emulation.

When his father saw his true devotion and love for books and knowledge, he decided to send Osman to a new learning environment, thus Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti region.

While there, he studied under a prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Abdullah Dan Tano, who tutored him in a highly advanced course in Arabic grammar, Arabic literature and texts, the study of Islamic jurisprudence and Al-Hadiths (practices of the Holy Prophet).

Upon completion of his studies, he decided to devote time to teaching the Muslim youth who are keen on learning to become Islamic scholars, thinkers, teachers and imams in the future.

Even as a teacher himself, he continued to have the desire and love for the pursuit of knowledge to the extent that anytime he heard of an Islamic scholar, he rushed to fall at his feet as a student to seek further knowledge, thereby benefiting from that scholar.

Among the illustrious scholars and sheikhs who taught Mallam Osmanu is Sheikh Alhaji Mohammed, popularly known as Baraw, who taught him the interpretation of the Holy Quran, classic Arabic language, literature and texts.

Another famous tutor of Mallam Osmanu was Sheikh Abubakar Fulaaty Al Kanawy, who hailed from Nigeria.

He exposed him to Arabic culture, the Al-Hadith of the Holy Prophet, Arabic texts and the fundamentals of Sufism.

When his maternal uncle Sheikh Imam Alhadji Mohammed Abbas Mazawaje, who was the Accra Chief Imam, saw the devotion, interest and hard work of the young Usman, he initiated him into the Tijjaniya Movement with Wazifa, a special meditation.

He pursued the Tijjaniya meditation until the arrival of the grand pioneer of the movement, the torchbearer and supreme commander of the Tijjaniya of the 20th century, Grand Sheikh Alhadji Ibrahim Nyass from Kaolack in Senegal.

Sheikh Ibrahim Niass taught Mallam Usmanu the deeper spiritual aspects of Sufism and the rudiments of mysticism and esoterics, which smoothly paved the way for Mallam Usmanu to become a true leader in the Tijjaniya Movement in Ghana.

Interestingly, in 1974, after lengthy discussions among the traditional and tribal chiefs, academics, Islamic scholars, and religious personalities, a consensus was reached for Sheikh Usmanu to be appointed as the Deputy Regional Chief Imam of Accra, deputising his cousin, Sheikh Imam Muhammed Mukhtar Abbas, who succeeded his father.

The appointment of Sheikh Osmanu as deputy Greater Accra Region Chief Imam was done in consideration of the unique qualities, intellectual capacity, dedication to teaching, passion for Islam and exemplary lifestyle in him.

Though he initially rejected the offer, he would be compelled to accept the position as he was constantly asked to see the position as a divine call to serve God.

He served as the acting Greater Accra Regional Chief Imam until 1993, when he was ceremoniously appointed as the National Chief Imam of Ghana to head the Ghanaian Muslim Communities.