Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem
The death of Ash-Shaykh al-Ustaadh Luqman bn Saalih Abu Sufyaan al-Alma'ee, which occurred last Tuesday, came as a rude shock to the Muslim Sunnah community in South West Nigeria.
It felt like the sinking of a shining star.
The name al-Alma'ee — meaning, as one Arabic lexicon puts it: "Brilliant in his studies and work: intelligent, active" "Brilliant among his peers: charming, light-spirited, and lively", perfectly summarizes the personality and impact of Shaykh Luqman. May Allah have mercy on him.
His brilliance, reserved nature, wisdom, good character, and energetic commitment were never in doubt. Even his harshest critics — including some among the Sufis — bore witness to these traits. No wonder many of them eventually came forward to express admiration and condolences upon the departure of their resourceful opponent.
The Sunnah community was hit the hardest by his passing. The reverberations and emotional aftershocks are still being felt far and wide, especially as more of his short and long videos — rich in knowledge and wisdom — continue to be shared.
Indeed, the worth of a righteous soul is often most deeply felt at the time of their death.
The Ummah in South West Nigeria is deeply mourning the loss of this young, vibrant, and enigmatic scholar.
When Shaykh Luqman explained any text of the Sharīʿah, he did so with calmness and clarity.
Rarely would an opponent argue with him; they would either submit to his position or simply back off.
I recall a time when one of our respected Sunnah teachers had a minor dispute with him on a particular issue — and truthfully, that teacher's position was more correct and remains so. However, the tone and substance of Shaykh Luqman’s rejoinder made it clear that pushing further would lead to an intellectual rebuttal that few could endure, despite the other teacher’s correctness. Allah knows best.
Abu Sufyan would readily submit to your argument if your proofs are solid.
Ash-Shaykh al-Alma'ee was truly an embodiment of knowledge, and from all indications, he feared Allah in his use of that knowledge. This is our own judgement about him as it is apparent to us, Allaah however knows him better.
People ask: Why did almost everyone love him, especially after his death? That is from Allah alone. It was not a failing from Al-Al'ma'ee but rather because he engaged people with deep respect, even when being firm. Allah gave him a rare wisdom that many others do not possess.
You wouldn’t normally want to have issues with him, even if you had all the reasons to, because his calmness, patience, and ability to explain and re-explain would eventually overwhelm you in the best way.
May Allah forgive Al-Al'ma'ee. May He widen his grave. May He illuminate it for him. May He wash him with cold water and ice. May He admit him into Jannatul-Firdaus. May He console his family and protect his children.
Lastly, may Allah reward all those who stood by him — religiously, emotionally, and otherwise — after his death.
His Janāzah last Wednesday witnessed the presence of many major figures in the Sunnah community of South West Nigeria. One would even wish it was one who died.
By Allah, Allah honoured Abu Sufyaan after his death. May that honour continue with him into Firdaus.
Āmīn.
Penned by Aboo Aamir.
