In the weeks since the passing of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, a familiar refrain continues to echo across social media, public spaces, and political circles:
“He wronged us, and he never asked for forgiveness.”
For some, this statement is a cry born of deep disillusionment. For others, it is a means of venting long-harbored frustrations. But for those of us who care about justice, fairness, and faith, it is worth pausing to ask: is this the whole truth?
As Muslims—and indeed as moral beings—we must interrogate such claims not only with emotion, but with the guiding principles of Islam, justice, repentance, and forgiveness.
Was Buhari Ever Found Guilty?
Let’s start with a foundational principle of justice:
Innocence is presumed until guilt is proven.
In both Islamic jurisprudence and worldly law, a person cannot be condemned based on accusation alone. The burden of proof lies on the accuser.
Yes, many Nigerians felt disappointed under Buhari’s leadership. Yes, many believe he could have done more. But leadership is never simple. Governance in a country as complex and divided as Nigeria is fraught with limitations. Can we point to any action of deliberate, personal injustice that was legally or religiously established as a wrong?
If not, then the entire argument begins on unstable ground.
But Did Buhari Ever Seek Forgiveness?
Yes, he did.
In one of his last public messages before his death, President Muhammadu Buhari appeared in a video where he humbly asked Nigerians to forgive him for any wrongs he might have committed in the course of his leadership. He admitted his human limitations and acknowledged that, though he tried to serve to the best of his ability, he may not have satisfied everyone.
This is not something we often see from world leaders. It is a significant act of humility.
More strikingly, Buhari left a personal instruction to his wife, Aisha Buhari, asking her to seek forgiveness from Nigerians on his behalf—especially from those who felt hurt or wronged by him.
That is not the language of a man who refuses accountability. It is the act of a man preparing for his meeting with his Lord.
What Does Islam Say About This?
Some have cited the (weak) hadith:
“If your brother offers an excuse to you, and you do not accept it, then you are like the one who unjustly collects tax.”
While scholars like Imam Nawawi and Sheikh Albani classify this hadith as weak, its broader message is supported by other sound teachings. More importantly, scholars have clarified that this mercy is conditional: it applies when the wrongdoer has repented sincerely, sought forgiveness, and tried to restore justice.
Let’s re-examine Buhari’s case:
✅ Did he show signs of remorse? Yes.
✅ Did he explicitly seek forgiveness? Yes.
✅ Did he try to make peace, even through his wife? Yes.
So what more do we expect from a mortal man?
The Dead and the Dignity of Silence
Islam teaches us not to speak ill of the dead, especially those who have returned to their Lord after seeking forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Do not abuse the dead, for they have reached the result of what they put forward.”
(Bukhari: 1393)
Another narration instructs:
"Mention the good things about your dead and refrain from their bad." (Tirmidhi)
In other words, when someone dies, their case is now in the hands of Allah. The time for human judgment is over. If they wronged you, Allah will take up your case. If they sought forgiveness, as Buhari clearly did, then we should hope Allah accepts it—and we should not stand in the way of mercy.
Leadership is a Heavy Trust
Every leader will offend someone. That is the nature of leadership. Buhari, like every mortal before him, had strengths and flaws. But we must remember:
* He did not hold onto power for life.
* He handed over peacefully.
* He did not spend his final moments defending himself with arrogance.
* He sought forgiveness, from Allah and from us.
Conclusion: Mercy Over Vengeance
The Qur’an says:
“And let not the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just—that is nearer to righteousness.”
(Qur’an 5:8)
Let us not allow politics, pain, or personal expectations blind us to truth. When a man stretches his hand in regret, it is not strength to keep ours folded in anger.
We may disagree with his policies. We may wish things were different. But if we believe in Allah, then we must also believe in His mercy—and let go of the grudges that hold our hearts hostage.
May Allah forgive Muhammadu Buhari. May He forgive us all.
Ameen.
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