Hundreds of people gathered in Dar es Salaam for a memorial service to honour the late Hafidh Ameir, husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The service, which was organised by the family, was attended by prominent figures, including government officials, diplomats, and religious leaders. Ameir passed away on September 7 at the age of 80 and was buried in Zanzibar. The memorial service provided an opportunity for mourners to pray for the late Ameir and reflect on their own mortality.
The prayers were led by Mufti and Chief Sheikh Abubakar Zubeir, who urged mourners to remember the deceased and seek Allah's mercy for him. He said that praying for the deceased was one of the important acts that the living could perform for those who had passed away. Mufti Zubeir also emphasised the need for Muslims to live with an awareness that death could come at any time and prepare for the hereafter through good deeds and seeking Allah's pleasure.
Mufti Zubeir cited Islamic teachings on grief and patience, saying that grief over the loss of a loved one was a natural human experience. He referenced Prophet Muhammad, who shed tears following the death of his son Ibrahim. The Chief Sheikh also extended condolences to President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the entire family, saying that the death of a loved one was a profound test requiring patience and faith.
The memorial service was attended by Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology Wanu Hafidh Ameir, who is the late Ameir's daughter. Ambassador Dr Suleiman Haji Suleiman, chairman of the event's organising committee, thanked Muslims, government leaders, diplomats, relatives, and friends for attending the prayers. He said that the large turnout demonstrated the love, respect, and solidarity shown to the family since the beginning of the mourning period.
Ambassador Suleiman also thanked ambassadors and high commissioners representing various countries in Tanzania for taking time from their schedules to attend the prayers. He said that their presence honoured the occasion and comforted the family. The ambassador also expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the successful organisation of the commemorative prayers.
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila paid tribute to the late Ameir, describing him as a righteous and humble person who did not use his position as the husband of the President to seek favours from government officials. Chalamila said that despite being married to the Head of State, Ameir lived a modest life and did not interfere with the work of regional commissioners, ministers, or other government officials.
The life of the late Ameir was cited as an example of humility, with Chalamila urging those attending the prayers to remember his good deeds and continue praying for him. The memorial service concluded with prayers for the late Ameir, with Mufti Zubeir praying for Allah to forgive Ameir, have mercy on him, and make his grave among the gardens of Paradise.
Key points
- The memorial service for the late Ameir was attended by hundreds of people, including government officials, diplomats, and religious leaders.
- Mufti Zubeir urged mourners to reflect on their own mortality and prepare for the hereafter through good deeds and seeking Allah's pleasure.
- The late Ameir was remembered as a righteous and humble person who lived a modest life despite being married to the President of Tanzania.
