Sh12M raised to support Sheikh Swalihu’s Madrasatul Hanifiya
The madrasa, located on Ndau Island in the Lamu archipelago, had remained under Sheikh Swalihu’s patronage until his death.
More than Sh12 million was raised during a fundraising drive to support the establishment of a wakf project for Madrasatul Hanifya, an institution founded and nurtured by the late Sheikh Muhammad Swalihu, former Imam of Jamia Mosque.
The madrasa, located on Ndau Island in the Lamu archipelago, had remained under Sheikh Swalihu’s patronage until his death. Corporate entities, organisations and individual well-wishers turned out for an iftar dinner fundraiser on Saturday, February 21, aimed at securing the institution’s future.
The late Sheikh Muhammad Swalihu
Addressing attendees, Jamia Mosque Imam Sheikh Jamaludin recounted an emotional appeal made to him by Sheikh Swalihu, who had expressed concern about the madrasa’s continuity after his passing. “He confided in me about his fears for the future of the madrasa. I am pleased that the Jamia Mosque Committee agreed to take up the matter, and we are here to fulfil that promise,” he said.
Jamia Mosque Vice Chairman Prof. Abdullatif Essajee described the institution as a lasting legacy of the late Imam, noting that it has provided free Islamic education to hundreds of students over the years. He noted that the foremost challenge facing the madrasa is sustainable financial support to help run the institution as it largely depended on Sheikh Swalihu’s personal support. It requires close to Sh 300,000 to run the madrassa on a monthly basis.
Prof. Abdullatif paid tribute to Sheikh Swalihu’s 27-year tenure at Jamia Mosque, during which he said the Imam served the community with knowledge and wisdom, earning widespread respect and affection. “He taught many people, young and old. He was loved by everyone and served as a unifying figure for Muslims while serving the community selflessly,” he said.
Sheikh Muhammad Swalihu breathed his last on October 11, 2022.
Sheikh Ahmad Uthman, Imam of Landhies Mosque, also honoured the late Imam, describing Madrasatul Hanifiya as a beacon of knowledge for residents of Ndau Island. “Let us stand together and support his legacy. This will be our sadaqatul jaariya,” he said.
Madrasatul Hanifiya, Ndau-Lamu
Notable alumni of Madrasatul Hanifiya include Sheikh Ahmad Uthman, Sheikh Ali Muhammad Bwana, a prominent scholar from Lamu; and Dr Mbwarali Kame, the Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for Education.
According to the Hanifiya Ndau Trust, chaired by Prof. Abdllatif Essajee, long-term sustainability of the institution depends on establishing a wakf project capable of generating steady monthly income. Proceeds from the properties will fund the madrasa’s operations, growth and student support programmes.
Contributions towards the project can be made via MPESA Paybill number 150770, Account name: HANIFIYA.