The Director of the Arabic and Islamic Training Centre (Markaz), Agege, Lagos, and Founder of Markaz University College, Sheikh Muhammed Habibullah Adam Abdullah El-Ilory (OON), has expressed deep condolences to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (CFR), the Adabiyyah family, and the people of Ilorin over the passing of the revered Khalifah of Adabiyyah, Sheikh Abdulqadir Muhammad Kamaludeen Al-Adaby.
In a condolence message that was conveyed through Nurudeen Ibrahim, spokesperson to Sheikh Muhammed Habibullah Adam Abdullah El-Ilory on Special Matters. Stated that, “following the scholar’s death on May 29, 2026, Sheikh Habibullah described the late Islamic leader as a visionary, peace-loving and hospitable personality whose affection for Markaz and its founder, Sheikh Adam Abdullah El-Ilory, was widely acknowledged.”
The Mudir of Markaz paid glowing tribute to the late Khalifah’s father, the first Grand Mufti of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Kamaludeen Habibullah Al-Adaby, describing him as one of the greatest blessings bestowed on Ilorin by Allah. He noted that both Sheikh Kamaludeen Al-Adaby and his father, Sheikh Adam Abdullah El-Ilory, remain internationally celebrated for their immense contributions to Islamic scholarship and the propagation of Islam.
According to Sheikh Habibullah, the late Sheikh Muhammad Kamaludeen Al-Adaby maintained a cordial relationship with Markaz and consistently demonstrated love and affection towards its leadership, a legacy that continues to be cherished by the institution.
He further emphasized that his father, Sheikh Adam Abdullah El-Ilory, never regarded the late Sheikh Kamaludeen Al-Adaby as an adversary of either Markaz or himself, stressing the longstanding bond that existed between the two renowned Islamic institutions.
Reflecting on the passing of Sheikh Abdulqadir Al-Adaby, Sheikh Habibullah described the loss as a tragedy not only for the Adabiyyah family but also for Ilorin, the Nigerian Muslim community, and the nation as a whole.
The Markaz leader also clarified recent references he made concerning a personal conversation he had with the late Sheikh Abdulqadir Al-Adaby years ago in the presence of the Emir of Ilorin. He explained that the remarks were intended solely to highlight the sacrifices and goodwill demonstrated by the late scholar towards Markaz during its formative years and to underscore the importance of sustaining peace and harmony between the Adaby and Markazy communities.
He stressed that the statement was neither intended to denigrate nor ridicule the late Khalifah, nor was it aimed at provoking members of the Adabiyyah family.
“At this period of immense loss, our collective responsibility is to mourn, pray and offer condolences. The death of a scholar is indeed a great calamity,” he stated.
Sheikh Habibullah also congratulated Sheikh Mustafa Muhammad Kamaludeen Al-Adaby on his appointment as the new Khalifah of Adabiyyah, praying for divine guidance, wisdom and success as he assumes the responsibility of preserving and advancing the legacy of Sheikh Muhammad Kamaludeen Habibullah Al-Adaby.
He concluded by praying for Allah’s mercy upon the deceased and for strength and fortitude for his family, the people of Ilorin and the wider Muslim Ummah to bear the loss.
“May Almighty Allah forgive Sheikh Abdulqadir Muhammad Kamaludeen Al-Adaby, grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and admit him among the righteous,” the statement said.
