HEADLINENEWS.NEWS SPECIAL REPORT
Monday, July 14, 2025
“Forgive Him Before He Is Lowered into the Grave” — Aisha Buhari Delivers Late President’s Final Request to Nigerians
A Nation Called to Reflect, A Leader’s Last Wish
By Headlinenews.News National Bureau
A Final Request from the Late President Muhammadu Buhari
As the nation prepares to lay former President Muhammadu Buhari to rest this afternoon at 4:00 PM in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, his longtime confidante and wife, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, has delivered a deeply emotional and spiritual message to the Nigerian people:
“Since he resigned from power, the word he always told me whenever we talked was this: if he dies before me, I should send his message to Nigerians to forgive his mistakes in his leadership—being a human being who does wrong and right. So, please I beg everyone to forgive him before he is taken to his grave.”
This heartfelt appeal resonates with one of the most powerful traditions in Islamic theology and ethics: the importance of seeking forgiveness—from God and from fellow human beings—before one returns to the earth.
Islamic Perspective: Forgiveness Before the Grave
According to Islamic belief, seeking forgiveness is not only noble—it is necessary. The Qur’an teaches:
وَسَارِعُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ
“And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord…”
— Surah Aali Imran (3:133)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also emphasized:
“When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity), beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.”
— Sahih Muslim
In accordance with this, President Buhari’s request for national forgiveness is both a spiritual necessity and a powerful reflection of his humility in death.
Leadership and Human Imperfection: A Historical Reflection
Muhammadu Buhari was one of Nigeria’s most consequential leaders, governing first as military Head of State (1984–1985) and later as civilian President (2015–2023).
His leadership witnessed:
- Bold anti-corruption reforms
- Infrastructure expansion (Second Niger Bridge, rail revival)
- Agricultural empowerment and social investment programs
- Persistent criticism for insecurity, human rights handling, and economic challenges
Yet, in life as in leadership, no man is perfect.
“Buhari made mistakes—as all leaders do—but he led with a deep sense of purpose and conviction. His final words asking for forgiveness remind us that every statesman is also a servant, and every servant is answerable to the people and to God.”
— Dr. G. Fraser, MFR, Governance & Perception Management Consultant
President Tinubu’s Tribute
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his longtime political ally and successor, paid tribute to his mentor’s final request with solemn grace:
“President Buhari was a man of quiet dignity and devotion to Nigeria. That he sought forgiveness from the people shows the purity of his soul and the humility of his heart. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Firdaus.”
President Tinubu Declares 7 days mourning for former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Comparative Spiritual Insight: The Universality of Last Words
Across cultures and religions, last words are sacred. They carry the soul’s final truths, regrets, and hopes. In Christianity, forgiveness is central to salvation. In Buddhism, release from attachment. In Islam, a soul’s state at death defines its eternal future.
Buhari’s request is not political—it is profoundly human.
Prayer for the Late President and His Family
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْهُ، وَعَافِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُ، وَثَبِّتْهُ عِنْدَ السُّؤَالِ، وَاجْعَلْ قَبْرَهُ رَوْضَةً مِّنْ رِيَاضِ الْجَنَّةِ، وَأَدْخِلْهُ فِي فِرْدَوْسِ الْأَعْلَى، وَصَبِّرْ أَهْلَهُ وَارْزُقْهُمْ الرِّضَا وَالْقَبُولَ
“O Allah, forgive him, have mercy on him, grant him peace, protect him in his grave, make it a garden from Paradise, admit him to the highest level of Al-Firdaus, and give his family strength, patience, and peace.”
— Ameen
Final Reflection
Today, as Muhammadu Buhari is returned to the earth from which he came, the nation is called to reflect—not just on his life—but on its own capacity to forgive, to heal, and to pray.
“To forgive is not to forget the past, but to honour the future with grace.”
— Princess (Dr.) G. Adebajo-Fraser, MFR
May Nigeria grant this final request of its departed leader.
May the soil of Daura receive him gently.
May his soul find eternal light.
Ameen.
The National Patriots.
Headlinenews.news Special report
HEADLINENEWS.NEWS COMMENTARY.
Aisha Buhari’s message, extol President Muhammadu Buhari’s final request for forgiveness, and encourage national reflection and healing.
“Before the Grave: Buhari’s Final Request to a Nation He Loved”
Excerpt:
As he prepared to return to his Maker, President Muhammadu Buhari made one final, deeply human request: for Nigerians to forgive his leadership shortcomings. It was a plea not of power, but of humility.
Comment:
This was not weakness—it was wisdom. Only the truly strong ask forgiveness before the end.
Quote:
“The best among you are those who seek forgiveness before they return to Allah.”
— Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
“The Last Words of a Leader: ‘Tell Nigerians to Forgive Me’”
Excerpt:
According to Aisha Buhari, her late husband’s most consistent instruction was that, upon his death, she must beg the Nigerian people on his behalf—for their prayers and pardon.
Comment:
Forgiveness is the highest honour the living can give the dead. Buhari’s last request deserves to be met with compassion, not calculation.
Quote:
“To err is human, to forgive divine.”
— Alexander Pope
“Humility in Death: Buhari’s Final Act of Leadership”
Excerpt:
In a rare moment of transparency and spiritual submission, Buhari admitted to the imperfection of his leadership, asking Nigerians to forgive him—“for the wrong and the right.”
Comment:
This is the highest moral responsibility of leadership: to know when to ask. And Buhari asked—not with arrogance, but with submission to Allah and the people.
Quote:
“President Buhari’s humility in death is proof of the discipline he lived by. May Nigerians respond with grace.”
— President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
“A Prayer, Not a Plea: Buhari’s Return to Allah with a Clear Conscience”
Excerpt:
From his wife’s heartfelt message, we learn that the late president wanted no titles, no monuments—just the forgiveness of those he served, and the prayers of the people he once led.
Comment:
This moment transcends politics. It is spiritual. It is national. It is sacred.
Quote:
“When a soul asks for forgiveness, even heaven pauses to listen.”
— Princess (Dr.) G. Adebajo-Fraser, MFR
“Aisha Buhari Breaks Silence: ‘Please, Forgive Him Before He Is Lowered Into the Earth’”
Excerpt:
In an emotional appeal, Aisha Buhari invoked the universal duty of believers: to forgive the dead before burial. Her voice shook, but her message was clear: “Let go, so he may rest in peace.”
Comment:
Whether you agreed with his governance or not, Buhari’s humanity calls out to ours. He deserves our prayers.
Quote:
“Do not speak ill of your dead, for they have reached what you are yet to face.”
— Islamic Saying
“He Ruled. He Served. He Erred. Now He Asks For Forgiveness.”
Excerpt:
President Muhammadu Buhari led Nigeria through some of its most defining moments. Today, as he is buried, he asks only one thing from the people: forgiveness.
Comment:
This is how leaders should leave us—not with silence, but with self-awareness, submission, and grace.
Quote:
“The test of a man is not in how he lives, but in how he departs.”
— Dr. G. Fraser, MFR
“Lay Down Your Arms in Honour of Buhari: A Call for Peace from His People”
Excerpt:
As Nigeria mourns one of its most disciplined leaders and proud sons of the Fulani nation, it is time for those still waging war against the state to reflect. President Muhammadu Buhari stood for peace, order, and justice—not violence or bloodshed. Continuing hostilities dishonours his legacy and undermines the very values he lived and died defending.
Comment:
If you ever respected Buhari, if he ever meant anything to you—honour him now by stopping the violence. His death should mark not just an end, but a turning point. Let Daura’s silence today echo into the forests and fields. Let it call you home—from chaos to community.
Quote:
“The time has come for the Fulani to be remembered not for fear, but for peace. If you ever called Buhari your leader, then now is the moment to lay down arms and defend his legacy with silence, not bullets.”
— Retired General, Nigerian Army and Elder Statesman.
The National Patriots
Headlinenews.news Special report.
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Video: Aisha Buhari, Son, Daughter visit London Hospital where Former President Muhammadu Buhari passed away on Sunday morning.
Dr. Amiida
Headlinenews.news
