The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has chalked another feat as he marked his 103rd birthday today, 23 April 2022.
The revered Islamic leader is not only a giant spiritually but continues to grow in strength, crossing an age limit attained by a few.
This year also marks the 29 anniversary of his appointment as the National Chief Imam of Ghana.
Known for his intellect and calm aura, he has been the epitome of peace and continues to play diverse roles in national development, including serving on the National Peace Council.
A few days before his birthday, at a gathering of Muslims and other guests at the Jubilee House in Accra, he was at his best commending Ghanaians for peaceful co-existence despite the country’s religious diversity.
During the Iftar, the breaking of the Muslim fast on Thursday, as part of the ongoing Ramadan, he said: “ Ghanaians must be grateful to God, irrespective of their political affiliation, they must unite and fight and stand for what would be in the interest of the nation”.
He further prayed and asked for God’s continuous peace and blessings on the country.
Profile of Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu
He was born to Nuhu Sharubutu and Hajja Ayishatu Abbass at Accra cow-lane in April 1919.
Osman started his education at home with his father during the day and with his mother at night.
Osman was sent to a new learning environment in Kumasi by his father after seeing his devotion to books and knowledge. He was taught by Abdullah Dan Tano and went through Arabic Grammar, Arabic Literature and Texts, Islamic Jurisprudence and Hadiths.
After his studies in Kumasi, he devoted his time to teaching the Muslim youth who wanted to become Islamic thinkers and scholars. Osman continued the pursuit of knowledge even as a teacher himself.
In 1974, Osman was appointed the Deputy Regional Chief Imam of Ghana after discussions were held among Islamic personalities.
His appointment was made in consideration of his dedication to teaching Islam. He turned down the offer made to him, but some Muslim chiefs forced him to give it a thought.
In 1993, he was appointed the National Chief Imam of Ghana for the Muslim Communities in Ghana.
Awards and recognition
In November 2020, an ultra-modern sports complex built in his community, New Fadama, was named after him.
In the past, former President Kufour said Osman deserved a Nobel Peace Prize for his contribution to the development of Ghana.
In December, he presented an award for being the ‘Best Zongo Minister and Muslim Politician for the year 2019/2020 to Mustapha Hamid, who was the Minister for Inner Cities and Zongo Development.
Since 2015, a football tournament for Zongo communities named the Ramadan Cup, also the Sheikh Sharubutu Ramadan Cup, is organised in honour of him.
It serves as a way of promoting peace and unity within the Zongo communities in Ghana, as its tagline reads ‘Bringing the Zongo Community Together’.