Tanzanian Chief Sheikh Issa Shaaban bin Simba died on Monday night at the age of 78.
“The Muslim High Cleric died in TMJ hospital in Dar es Salaam, where he was admitted for treatment,” said Sheikh Mussa Salum, Dar es Salaam’s city high imam.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, he said Sheikh Simba’s body will be laid to rest Tuesday in Majengo, western Tanzania.
“We had planned to bury him on Thursday but we received information from the late Mufti's family that he left a will asking to be buried as soon as his dies,” said Sheikh Salum.
The chief imam’s eldest son, Suleiman Simba, told Anadolu Agency that his father had been suffering from diabetes and hypertension for a long time and had been receiving treatment inside and outside the country before his death.
President Jakaya Kikwete sent his condolences to the National Muslim Council of Tanzania.
“During his time, Sheikh Simba served as a teacher and a leader to his religion. He led for the public benefit,” Kikwete said in his condolence message.
The head of the main opposition party, Freeman Mbowe, described Sheikh Simba’s death as a national loss as he was a symbol of national unity among Muslims and those of other religions.
"It is sad for the nation to lose such a leader," Mbowe told Anadolu Agency. "We will remember Mufti Simba for his outstanding role in uniting Tanzanians."
Sheikh Simba joined the National Muslim Council of Tanzania in 1968 and became Tanzania’s Chief Sheikh in 2003.
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