By Shire Abdi - Reporter
Somalia, April 10, 2026
Sheikh Mireedi Haji Sufi Al-Shashi, one of Somalia’s leading Islamic scholars, has passed away after a long career dedicated to teaching and religious outreach. He was laid to rest on Friday at the Sheikh Sufi cemetery in Mogadishu, a day after his death.
Born in 1950 in the Hamar Weyne district of Mogadishu, the late scholar received his religious education under prominent teachers, including Sheikh Mohamed Moallim, excelling in Qur’anic exegesis, jurisprudence, and Arabic grammar and literature. He was influenced by scholars from the Benadir region and later developed an approach that combined traditional scholarship with elements of Salafi thought.
He began his da‘wah work early, teaching in several mosques in the capital, including the Sheikh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani Mosque and Shangani Mosque, continuing his mission despite challenges during the crackdowns on religious figures in the 1970s.
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He later became widely known for his work at the historic Marwaas Mosque in Hamar Weyne, where he established study circles, Qur’an memorization centers, and formal educational initiatives. His influence extended beyond Somalia, particularly to Kenya.
Sheikh Muridi mentored a large number of students who went on to become scholars, and authored works including a book on Arabic grammar, reflecting his deep engagement with linguistic and religious sciences.
His passing is widely regarded as a significant loss to Somalia’s scholarly and religious community, given his lifelong dedication to spreading knowledge and nurturing generations despite the challenges he faced.
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