The death of foremost administrator, philanthropist, astute human and material resources manager, Dr Fahmi Bin Zouhair ElHalabi, has been described as a monumental loss to students of knowledge, the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and the world.

This was the comment of Islamic clerics, former associates, staffers and students of the institute shortly after performing absentee funeral prayer in Islam for the deceased at the college premises in Ibadan.

In an emotion laden voice, the Director, Good People Charity Foundation, Nigeria, Dr Ahmad Olayiwola who led hundreds of congregants in the Solatul Ghaib remarked that Sheikh Fahmi Bin Zouhair ElHalabi who was the immediate past Provost of Imam Malik College of Shariah and Legal Studies, Jegede, Ibadan, had prepared to meet his creator with some Sadaqotu jaariya, by imparting knowledge on students and giving scholarship to the orphans, facilitating numerous projects (Mosques, Boreholes, Wells, classrooms) alms giving, care for the widows, and other indelible and rewarding deeds while alive.”Dr Zouhair ElHalabi ‘s lifestyle taught us to prepare for death with good deeds, at all times so as to enjoy eternal bliss, we beseech Allah to be pleased with his return and continous progress for the college, Olayiwola prayed”.

Corroborating, the Proprietor, Mahadun Najahil Islami, Ibadan, Sheikh Abdulwaheed Abdulhameed, who was a teacher in the college under Dr Bin Zouhair for 10 years described the deceased as a good boss, mentor, a strong pillar for students and teachers, who was selfless, as he sacrificed a lot for the college administration for which he was deployed to Nigeria by the Haramain Foundation, Saudi Arabia.

Similarly, the Chief Imam, Lead City University, Ibadan, Dr Abdurahman Olalekan Muhammadul-Awwal said the deceased was a helpful mentor, always showing love, humorous, charitable and advisor with progressive ideology who was passionate about human advancement without belittling potential in anyone around him.

In his eulogy, the former Deputy Provost, Imam Malik College of Shariah and Legal Studies, Ibadan and the Proprietor, Arabian Schools Omi-Adio, Ibadan, Dr Muhammad-Lawal Musa Alongbija recalled that Sheikh Bin Zouhair ElHalabi was a benefactor to many, praying Allah to grant him ceaseless rewards for all the useful projects he bequeathed to the society.

According to him, “Dr Bin Zouhair was a reasonable valuer of intelligence whom I emulate in official administration; he is a rare Arab with positive socialization”.

The Registrar and a Lecturer for 17 years at Imam Malik College of Shariah and Legal Studies, Ibadan, Ustaz Masud Olawale Busoiry said Dr Bin Zouhair exemplified ideal for humanity in speeches and actions in addition to being a builder of men, known for contributions to the betterment of many people in all aspects of life.About late Dr Fahmi Bin Zouhair ElHalabi.

Dr Fahmi Bin Zouhair ElHalabi (1967-2024) was a Palestinian Arab, born in Lebanon.

He had his Bachelor of Arts, B.A, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Masters of Arts, M.A, and PhD in Islamic Law, Jurisprudence, Education and Sciences from Sudan.

Dr Fahmi, as he was fondly called was the Provost, Imam Malik College of Shariah and Legal Studies, Jegede, Ibadan since 2003 till he breathed his last on 15th August, 2024 at Turkey, after a brief illness when he travelled to process admission into University for his child.

Dr Fahmi Bin Zouhair ElHalabi was instrumental to the construction of over 1,000 Mosques, drilling of Boreholes and Wells in various communities, building of offices, classrooms for Islamic institutes, free Iftar during Ramadan periods, gift of Aqeeqoh and Sallah Rams, widow empowerment and scholarships for indigent students and orphans, among other legacy projects dotting across the country.