Radio Islam mourns its journo and sheikh Matiya
Malawi’s only Islamic radio station Radio Islam on Thursday suspended broadcasting its usual programs in respect for the two prominent Muslims, an award winning journalist Sraj Suleiman and Sheikh Aman Matiya who died the same day but different causes at Mwanza district and Mwaiwathu hospitals respectively.
Except news broadcasts the radio had since morning been airing Quran recitation.
Suleiman died after a long illness while Sheikh Matiya was admitted and Mwaiwathu ICU where he was treated after he was involved in a car accident a week ago.
Before moving to Mozambique where he headed Radio Haq in Nampula, Radio Islam’s sister station, Suleiman was among the founding journalists of Radio Islam.
During his stint at Radio Islam he managed to put the station at the national map after scooping over 12 awards in radio production after participation in various competition held by The Story Workshop and Bridge Project.
Matiya was among prominent sheikhs who were regular contributors to the radio Islam’s various programs including Contemporary Issues. He also served as a presidential adviser on Islamic affairs during Bakili Muluzi administration.
Meanwhile, tributes are pouring on social networks.
Writing on his Facebook page Imran Longwe has described Matiya as the best Islamic scholar in Malawi.
“Sheikh Amani Matiya(May Allah have mercy on his soul).innallillah wa inna ilaihi raji’un.. He was more than dad’s best friend he was part of the family. The last I saw him laughing was the 1st January on my gala luncheon and the last I talked to him was a couple of days ago. The last time I saw him was two days ago in ICU @ Mwaiwathu. May he be granted forgiveness from his errors and may he be granted jannatul firdaus..ameen.”
Suleiman was laid to rest in his home district Mwanza on Thursday while Matiya is expected to be laid to rest on Friday in his home district Nkhota-kota.
