By Yusuf Shehu Usman, mni

As dawn broke over the capital city of Abuja this morning, the news of the passing of Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, Nigeria’s former President and one of its most enduring political figures, cast a solemn mood across the nation. At the age of 82, Buhari completed his life’s journey—a journey that traversed the full circle of personal and national service, sacrifice, triumph, and trials.

In the quiet hours of reflection, we are reminded of a timeless truth—that to every soul given life by Allah, death has been decreed. It is the most certain and yet most mysterious aspect of existence. While we all know that death awaits us, only Allah knows when, where, and how. And between the first cry of birth and the final breath lies the singular privilege of life—a test, a journey, and ultimately, a return.

Muhammadu Buhari’s life stands as a testament to this journey. Born into humble beginnings in Daura, Katsina State, he rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Army to become the nation’s military ruler between 1983 and 1985. Decades later, through the ballot box and the will of the people, he returned as the democratically elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, serving two consecutive terms from 2015 to 2023.

It is not in the number of years that we measure the worth of a life, but in the value of its impact. Some live long and leave little behind; others pass briefly through our world but leave a lasting legacy. Buhari lived long—and whether seen through the lens of praise or criticism—few would argue that he did not leave a deep imprint on the landscape of Nigerian history.

He was not a saint, and he never claimed to be. He was a man—fallible, limited by the imperfections that define all human beings. Yet in the course of his life, he touched many lives. Some with admiration, others with frustration. This duality is the hallmark of any public figure, particularly one who occupied the seat of power during some of Nigeria’s most turbulent years.

In Islam, we are taught that the sole purpose of our existence is to worship Allah. Success in life, therefore, is not found in riches or in accolades, but in submission to the Creator and fulfillment of the divine purpose. As Buhari returns to his Lord, his account now lies with Allah alone. It is not for us to judge, for judgement belongs only to the One who sees what is hidden, Who knows the hearts and the intentions behind every deed.

We can, and we must, pray. We pray that Allah, in His infinite mercy, will forgive Muhammadu Buhari’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and reward him beyond measure. We pray that he is granted a place in Aljannah Firdaus, the highest level of Paradise.

For those of us still journeying through this temporary world, Buhari’s passing is a poignant reminder: life is fleeting, and none of us shall live beyond our allotted time. Let us live with purpose, humility, and consciousness of our final return.

May Allah join us all, alongside Muhammadu Buhari, in Aljannah Firdaus to abide therein forever.

Amin, Thumma Amin.