Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – A British-born Islamic preacher based in the United Kingdom has joined many across the Muslim world in mourning the death of Gambian Islamic scholar Kebba Wadda and four of his children who tragically drowned in The Gambia.
Shaykh Zahir Mahmood, a khateeb (preacher) at Jamia Masjid in Aston, one of the largest mosques in Birmingham, expressed profound grief following the incident, describing Wadda as a devoted servant of Islam who dedicated his life to the service of his community.
“With profound grief, we announce the tragic passing of Brother Kebba and his four beloved children, who drowned today in The Gambia,” Shaykh Mahmood said in a statement, invoking the Qur’anic verse “Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we shall return.”
According to the preacher, although many people may not have known Wadda personally, he was widely recognized for his commitment to Islamic education and humanitarian work.
Wadda had spent 14 years in the United Kingdom before returning to The Gambia with what Mahmood described as a sincere intention to serve his homeland and its people.
Following his return, he founded Al-Furqan, an Islamic school that grew to become one of the country’s leading institutions for Islamic learning. The school attracted many parents who hoped their children would benefit from its religious education and moral guidance.
Beyond education, Wadda was also instrumental in relief work across West Africa. He played a central role in the activities of As-Suffa Relief, an initiative focused on supporting vulnerable communities in the region through humanitarian and social programs.
Mahmood said Wadda’s efforts were often carried out quietly and without seeking recognition.
“The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people,” the preacher quoted from the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, adding that Wadda had devoted his life to benefiting others through knowledge, charity, and community service.
He further referenced a prophetic tradition that states that when a person dies, their deeds continue through three things: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and righteous children who pray for them.
“We bear witness that Brother Kebba strove for all three,” Mahmood said.
The preacher noted that the deaths represent a significant loss not only for The Gambia but also for the wider Muslim community.
“Today, The Gambia and the wider Ummah have lost a sincere servant of Allah,” he said, urging Muslims to remember Wadda and his children in their prayers.
Mahmood also prayed for Allah to grant the deceased the highest ranks in Jannatul Firdaws and to grant patience and strength to their family and loved ones during what he described as an immense trial.
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