Kenya is mourning the passing of Chief Kadhi Abdulhalim Hussein, a respected Islamic scholar and religious leader. He is reported to have died in the early hours of Thursday, July 10, in Mombasa. At the time of reporting, the exact cause of his death had not yet been revealed.
Following the news of his death, many prominent Muslim leaders and public figures expressed their grief and paid tribute to the late scholar through heartfelt messages on social media. They praised his wisdom, humility, and service to the Muslim community in Kenya.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale was among the first high-profile figures to mourn the Chief Kadhi. In a condolence message shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Duale described Hussein as a deeply knowledgeable Islamic scholar and a humble servant of the faith.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we shall return). We have lost a brother, a scholar, and a religious leader—Chief Kadhi Abdulhalim Hussein—in Mombasa,” Duale posted.
“He was a brilliant scholar and a true leader of the Muslim Ummah, known for his humility and gentle nature. I have lost a brother,” he added, expressing personal sorrow.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir also expressed his deep sorrow, stating that Chief Kadhi Hussein made significant contributions to the growth and unity of the Muslim community across Kenya.
“Extremely saddened by the death of the Chief Kadhi of Kenya, Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. By Allah’s will, he served the Kenyan Ummah with dedication in many capacities,” Governor Nassir shared.
“May the Almighty forgive his sins, accept his good deeds, and grant him the highest place in Jannah (Paradise). Ameen,” he prayed.
Chief Justice Martha Koome also joined the nation in mourning, highlighting Hussein’s role in promoting justice, Islamic law, and moral values throughout his career.
“We will always remember his leadership, humility, and firm commitment to justice, Islamic jurisprudence, and the constitutional values of our nation,” CJ Koome said in her tribute.
“Sheikh Abdulhalim made a significant contribution to the Judiciary and to the spiritual and legal well-being of Kenya. We honour his legacy,” she added.
Hussein was officially appointed Chief Kadhi in July 2023 by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) after emerging as the most suitable candidate from a list of five shortlisted individuals. He succeeded Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar, who retired after serving in the role for 12 years and reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.
Abdulhalim Hussein was born in Malindi and began his education at Watamu Primary School. He later joined Malindi High School for his secondary education. His academic excellence earned him a scholarship to Al-Azhar University in Egypt, a prestigious Islamic institution, where he graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Islamic Law (Sharia).
Upon returning to Kenya, Hussein began working as a deputy administrator at Madrasatul Munawwarah in Majengo. He also taught Islamic Religious Education and Kiswahili at Ronald Ngala Primary School.
His judicial career started in January 2005 when he was appointed as a Kadhi in Mombasa. Over the years, he served in various regions, including Kwale and Nairobi, before eventually rising to the position of Chief Kadhi.
In Kenya, Kadhi’s Courts play an important role in administering justice according to Islamic law. They primarily handle personal law matters for Muslims, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and family disputes. As Chief Kadhi, Hussein held the highest authority in ensuring that these courts functioned in line with Islamic principles and upheld the integrity of Sharia law within Kenya’s legal framework.
His passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the religious and judicial leadership of the Muslim community in Kenya. He is remembered as a humble, wise, and principled leader who devoted his life to faith, justice, and service.
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