Six Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Ghana’s National Chief Imam

Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, the esteemed National Chief Imam of Ghana, is renowned for his exemplary leadership, profound scholarship, and tireless dedication to promoting peace and education within the Muslim community and beyond. In recognition of his significant contributions, the University of Ghana conferred upon him an honorary doctorate degree in 2006. Sheikh Osmanu also serves on the Ghana Peace Council and is often referred to as the Grand Mufti.

Remarkable Achievements and Contributions

1. Youngest Huffaz: From a young age, Sheikh Osmanu exhibited a deep devotion to Islamic scripture. By the age of 12, he had memorized and could recite the Quran, earning the title of one of the youngest Huffaz, a term for someone who memorizes and recites extensive parts of the Holy Scriptures. To further nurture his potential, he studied under renowned Islamic scholars in Kumasi. Upon returning to Accra, he dedicated his life to instructing young Muslims, many of whom have become notable scholars.

2. The First-Ever Chief Imam: Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu is the inaugural holder of the Chief Imam title. From this position, he has embodied and represented the ideals of faith, scholarship, tolerance, and peace central to Islam, earning the respect and admiration of people from all religions in Ghana. His expertise and deep understanding of Islam were recognized in 1974 when he was nominated as Deputy Imam by the Tijaniyya sect. Reluctant at first, he accepted the role and later became the head of the Tijaniyya sect in 1993. Subsequently, the four main Islamic sects in Ghana agreed that the position of National Chief Imam would rotate among them, with Sheikh Osmanu being the first to ascend to the office.

3. Unique Intellectual Capacity: Sheikh Osmanu’s appointment as Deputy Greater Accra Regional Chief Imam was based on his unique qualities, intellectual capacity, dedication to teaching, and passion for Islam. Initially hesitant, he accepted the position as the acting Greater Accra Regional Chief Imam, and in 1993, he was ceremoniously appointed as the National Chief Imam of Ghana.

4. Mentoring Future Scholars: Sheikh Osmanu has mentored numerous students who have become prominent Islamic scholars, including Muhammad Munir Dan Alpha, Sheikh Ustaz Abdul Aziz, Sheikh Yahyal-Ameen, Mallam Adam Attah (late), Mallam Saeed, Alhaji Jibril Madaha, Mallam Ibrahima Nyass, Mallam Mustapha Yaa Jalala, Mallam Habibu Gora, Sheikh Musa Abdul Kadir (late), and Mallam Zurkanain.

5. A Great Representative of Islam: As Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu has been a steadfast advocate and representative of Islam. His efforts have led to the inclusion of two national holidays commemorating Islamic events on Ghana’s national calendar. He established the Sheikh Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu Education Trust Fund and the Nuuru Usmaniya Foundation for Humanitarian Services and Development. Additionally, he set up the Islamic Peace and Security Council of Ghana to promote peace and has established several schools and the National Mosque at Kawukudi, Accra.

6. Achievements:

• Established the Office of the National Chief Imam of Ghana in 1992.
• Facilitated the inclusion of two national holidays for Muslims in Ghana’s official calendar.
• Founded seven Islamic schools, including the Answaru-Deen Islamic School Complex in Greater Accra.
• Trained and sponsored over 50 students who have excelled in Islamic knowledge and jurisprudence.
• Promoted the integration of traditional Islamic and secular education systems in Ghana.
• Advocated for interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence among different religious sects.
• Sponsored hundreds of students for secular education in Ghana and abroad.
• Established the Sheikh Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu Education Trust Fund (SONSETFUND) to support needy students.
• Founded the Islamic Peace and Security Council of Ghana (IPASEC) to promote peace.
• Established an orphanage for homeless Muslim children under the Nuuru Usmaniya Foundation.
• Created the Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu Educational Complex in Kasoa, Central Region.
• Attracted the Hunan Development International Foundation for the construction of the National Mosque at Kawo Kudi, Kanda, Accra.
• Officiated over 5000 marriages and 4000 funeral prayers in Ghana.
• Conducted naming ceremonies for over 10,000 Muslim children.
• Received honorary doctorate degrees from several local and international universities, including the University of Ghana, Legon in 2006, for his contributions to humanities, teaching, and peace activities.

Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu’s legacy as a leader, scholar, and advocate for peace continues to inspire and influence the Muslim community in Ghana and beyond.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com