A well-known Muslim cleric and Al-Shabaab critic dies in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A leading critic of the Al-Shabaab militants, a terrorist group that is closely affiliated to Al-Qaida, died on Tuesday in Mogadishu, in what could be a big blow in the fight against violent extremism within the Horn of Africa nation, and across the borders.

Sheikh Nur Barud Gurhan died in Martini Hospital, one of the facilities leading in the fight against the novel Coronavirus, which has continued to wreak havoc across the world, killing hundreds of thousands of people, with Somalia also not spared.

It's not clear whether the leading cleric and scholar succumbed to the deadly virus, but it's understood that he'd been in the facility for quite some time, receiving treatment for the undisclosed disease. Martini Hospital is one of the most equipped health facility in Somalia.

Sheikh Bashir Ahmed Salad, a member of the Ulema Council, announced the death of the scholar but did not either disclose the illness. The cleric is expected to be laid to rest this morning in Mogadishu, in a funeral that could attract thousands of people from across the country.

Also, Sheikh Nur Barud was a renowned humanitarian and community activist in the country, relied on millions of disadvantaged people in the country. His philanthropic attitude saw many children receive support through many organizations, some from abroad.

But it's the fight against Al-Shabaab which may have suffered a huge blow given his firm stand. His teachings were always met with criticism from the Al-Shabaab militants, who still control large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia.

Al-Shabaab, he has often said, does not conform with teachings of Islam, adding that their activities should be forbidden.

His death comes at the time the country is working closely with the foreign military team to dismantle the militants, who have lost considerably in Middle Jubba and Lower Shabelle regions.

GAROWE ONLINE