15/08/2026
I am still in shock since I heard about the passing of our brother, Malam Aliyu Ladan. I fondly called him "Babana" as he shared the same name with my father.
Malam Aliyu Ladan was a respected personality from Gombe State: a graduate of the University of Madinah, an encyclopedia of amazing stories of our pious predecessors, a Haafiz of the Glorious Book with an eloquent and mesmerizing recitation, and a man who was always smiling. We have indeed lost a rare gem who was in a class of his own in that regard.
The most beautiful moment I spent with him was in 2002 when I traveled to Maradi in the Niger Republic for a public lecture, while he was a senior teacher at Almufeeda School, before his return to Nigeria. Even though my relationship with him spanned over 32 years, the days we spent in Maradi were unique.
We belong to Allah and indeed to Him is our return, without doubt.
We have lost one of the best among us in the recitation of the Qur'an and in recounting the anecdotes of our pious predecessors.
My prayer is, O Allah, forgive Haafiz Aliyu Ladan and raise his station among those who are guided. Send him along the path of those who came before, and take care of the family he leaves behind. Forgive us and him, O Lord of the worlds. Enlarge for him his grave and shed light upon him in it.
May Allah overlook his shortcomings and admit him into Jannatul Firdaus and give his family, relatives, associates, students, teachers and all loved ones the patience to bear this irreparable loss.
Professor Isa Ali Pantami
(Majidadin Daular Usmaniyya).