A TRIBUTE TO A LEGEND OF FAITH, SERVICE, AND HUMANITY: ALH. AMINU ALHASSAN DANTATA (1931–2025)
Inna lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un
The Nigerian nation and the global Muslim Ummah are in mourning over the passing of one of their most distinguished sons, Alh. Aminu Alhassan Dantata, who died peacefully on Friday night in Abu Dhabi after a brief illness.
Though his passing marks the end of a remarkable earthly journey, his legacy of faith, humility, generosity, and public service will continue to echo through time.
Born into the legendary Dantata family, Alh. Aminu Dantata lived a life of rare distinction. He was not only a business magnate and elder statesman but also a committed philanthropist and devout Muslim, whose quiet but far-reaching efforts significantly shaped the landscape of Islamic development and humanitarian outreach in Nigeria and beyond.
His love for Allah and His messenger Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam was profound and sincere. Among the most touching expressions of this love was his request, in his will, to be buried in the sacred city of Medina, close to the Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam—a wish that was honored after his death.
He was laid to rest in Medina beside his beloved wife, Haj. Rabi Aminu Dantata, in an act that reflects the depth of his spiritual devotion.
In his lifetime, Alh. Aminu Dantata championed numerous Islamic causes: sponsoring Qur’anic schools, building mosques, supporting scholars, and funding educational and medical initiatives. His generosity was boundless, his humility remarkable, and his legacy unforgettable.
In his heartfelt tribute, Sheikh Dr. Abdullahi Bala Lau, National Chairman of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa ‘iqamatis Sunnah, JIBWIS Nigeria, described the late elder statesman as:
“A father to the Muslim Ummah, a symbol of sincerity, and a man who gave his wealth, wisdom, and energy in service to Islam and humanity. His deep love for the Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam and his desire to be buried in Medina will remain one of the most enduring signs of imaan and humility. May Allah accept his act as a sincere expression of faith and reward him with the highest station in Jannatul. Also, in his tribute, the National Secretary of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa ‘iqamatis Sunnah, JIBWIS Nigeria, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Kabiru Haruna Gombe, described the passing of Alh. Aminu Dantata as not just a loss to his family or the people of Kano state, but to all of Nigeria and the entire Muslim Ummah. “ He was a father to many, a mentor to generations, and a symbol of uprightness in both private and public life.
In recognition of the national and spiritual significance of his passing, JIBWIS Nigeria, under the leadership of Sheikh Dr. Abdullahi Bala Lau, expressed sincere appreciation to the federal government of Nigeria, which sent a high-powered delegation to Saudi Arabia, led by the Honorable Minister of Defense, His Excellency, Alh. Muhammad Badaru Abubakar.
We also commend the joint Kano/Jigawa States delegation, led respectively by His Excellency, Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf, Executive Governor of Kano State, and his Jigawa State counterpart, His Excellency, Mal. Umar Namadi, for honoring the late statesman and standing in solidarity with his family and the global Muslim community.
Special appreciation is also extended to the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, who was part of the Kano state delegation and whose presence demonstrated the deep cultural and religious respect accorded to the late elder statesman, Alh. Aminu Dantata.
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, also led a delegation of the Nigerian National Assembly to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the burial.
Their presence in Medina to honor the national icon speaks volumes of the deep respect and admiration the nation holds for Alh. Aminu Dantata, and it reinforces the unity of our leaders in matters of faith, national pride, and communal loss.
As we mourn the passing of Alh. Aminu Dantata, we take solace in the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam:
“When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: Sadaqatul Jariya, knowledge from which benefit is gained, or a righteous child who prays for him.” (Sahih Muslim).
Alh. Aminu Dantata left behind all three.
May Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala forgive all his shortcomings, accept his noble deeds, and grant him the highest rank in Jannatul Firdaus. May his legacy continue to inspire generations to come
