Mufti Yaks: Enduring Legacies of a Departed Star
By Abdulsalam Mahmud
Worldwide, Sheikh Ismail Ibn Musa Menk, fondly called Mufti Menk, is renowned. Born on 27 June 1975, Sheikh Menk is a celebrated Islamic scholar from Zimbabwe. He is also the Grand Mufti of Zimbabwe’s Muslim community.
Menk, whose works have gained worldwide recognition, has been named one of “The Top 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World” on multiple occasions. He commands millions of followers across his social media platforms.
Menk, one of the most sought-after international Islamic preachers, is imbued with an approachable demeanor. While he may not have gotten married to a Nigerian woman, the illustrious cleric however has ‘fathered’ a progeny in our beloved country. The progeny I am referring to is Ustadz Abdullateef Aliyu Mayaki, who sadly left us even before the sun would rise for him.
Born exactly 20 years ago, late Ustadz Aliyu Mayaki completed his earthly sojourn last Saturday. He breathed his last, and returned to his Creator – Allah – as a fulfilled, great and accomplished young Muslim brother.
A young Islamic preacher of distinguished acclaim, Ustadz Mayaki was an epitome of a righteous Muslim teenager. He was, during his entire lifetime, wholly committed to nothing but passionately spreading the message of Allah, His Holy Prophet and propagating the religion of Islam – mimicking the dressing, attitude and lecture presentation style of Sheikh Menk.
He delivered countless Islamic lectures and talks, both at home and abroad; to thousands of Muslims. Several high-profile individuals and other Muslims (here in the country and even beyond) attested to the aforementioned fact, in their condolence messages, while sympathizing with the bereaved Mayaki’s family on their son’s exit.
Nigeria’s immediate-past Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali brahim Pantami, described Mayaki’s death as a huge loss. He said: “Inna lil Laahi wa inna ilaiHi Raajiun! Just heard that our beloved son, Abdullateef Aliyu Mayaki, popularly known as MUFTI YAKS has passed away. What a great loss! May Almighty Allah admit him into Jannatul Firdaus”.
Mufti Menk, who the late Mayaki took as his idol, wrote: “I am saddened by the news of the death of the young Abdul Latif Mayaki, Mufti Yaks, this morning. He was a very talented young lad trying to spread goodness. May Allah Almighty forgive him, accept his good deeds and grant him the highest ranks of Paradise. Aameen”.
Another sympathizer, Sheikh Abdulganiyu Aboto, wrote on Facebook: “Mufti Yaks was an inspiring figure in our community, known for his poise, calmness, and eloquence in preaching the words of Allah and the teachings of our beloved prophet.
“His preaching style, reminiscent of Mufti Menk, earned him widespread admiration and the affectionate nickname “Mufti Yaks.” Despite his young age, he attended conferences in several countries, making significant contributions to Islam religion through dawah.
“May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Jannatul Firdausi. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to guide and inspire us”.
One AbdulRahman Suleiman wrote: “May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus and forgive his shortcomings. His passing is indeed a great loss to the Islamic community world. He was a shining star, and his wisdom and knowledge were beyond his years.
A social media user, Khadija Omar Farouq, also wrote: “The demise of Mufti Yaks has left me shocked and saddened. Every beginning has an end, no matter how difficult it may be to accept. Every soul shall taste death.
“When I first started watching his lectures, I admired how he was inspired by Mufti Menk and became a young motivational speaker in his own right. Allah had destined that Mufti Yaks’ life would be cut short.
“We pray that your grave be more comforting than your bed. I ask Allah to accept all your good deeds, forgive your shortcomings, and pour His mercy upon you to enlighten your grave and make it a source of peace and calmness. May Mufti Yaks’ legacy continue to inspire and guide others”.
This is however the most viral post I came across during the period of Mufti Yaks’ demise: “The death of Mufti Yaks should be a lesson to every young person who is actively using social media. You can see everyone across all social media platforms praying for him, reposting his pictures, and videos when he was preaching. The same applies to those posting their pictures and videos, dressed half-naked, just to gain followers. How you want to be remembered in this space when you are gone is up to you to decide from now. May Allah have Mercy Upon his Soul”.
In Minna, the capital city of Niger State, where Mufti Yaks was born and bred, thuggery is now the in-thing for some jobless youths. They have, since last year, held Minna and her citizens to ransom. They violently attack, maim and kill innocent residents and commuters who cross their paths, unexpectedly.
In February this year, two persons died when a fracas broke out at an illegal mining site in the Maitumbi area of the town. In the incident at the Julius Berger Quarry site in Minna, hooligans reportedly fought themselves with dangerous weapons. And when they had finished sizing up each other, they turned on other members of the community.
Jolted by the rising level of youth restiveness in his domain, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, declared his administration’s zero tolerance for rascality and thuggery. He directed security agencies to deal decisively with anyone involved in thuggery or other criminal activities.
Meanwhile, one of the persons who will be shaded on the Day of Judgement (from a scorching sun ray brought close to people’s heads) is a youth who spent his prime life serving Allah. Or better still, a youth who grew up in the worship of Allah.
Mufti Yaks was not fortunate to stay beyond June 1, 2024 on our planet. But it is heartening that his brief lifetime was totally devoted to pleasing his Maker. He was the kind of child every parent would wish for. He was a true ambassador of Islam. Through his good conduct and devout lifestyle, he helped illuminate the glowing beauty of the Islamic religion. He was a budding preacher who called people to submit themselves to, and serve Allah dutifully.
The Minna youths who have embraced all sorts of ‘evil’ ventures should do well to change their bad ways, as death is always lurking around. It may end up snatching them at anytime, just as it did to Mufti Yaks last weekend. They should turn a new leaf and lead the kind of life their devout compatriot – Mufti Yaks – led. They should desire to become righteous Muslims who will be sorely missed after their departure.
The life of thuggery and hooliganism does not pay. The one devoted to serving Allah, however does. And will always do. Mufti Yaks’ exemplary life and even in his death attest to the claim I made above. Our late brother Abdullateef Aliyu Mayaki has started reaping the fruits of his good and noble works.
The barrage of tributes and eulogies, extolling his legendary personality spoke volume. Indeed, Mufti Yaks’ lasting memory will always resonate within our hearts and communities, testifying to his profound impact on our lives. Though he is no longer with us in body, his teachings and spirit will endure, serving as guide as we tread the path of righteousness.
In recognition of his lifelong dedication to serving humanity and Islamic evangelism, we beseech Allah to rest Mufti Yaks’ soul peacefully. Ameen.
Mahmud, Deputy Editor of PRNigeria, can be reached via: [email protected]
