Bhatkal: Maulana Abdul Latheef Madani, the Islamic scholar who died after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest while delivering the Azaan (Islamic call to prayer) at a mosque in Kasarkod village of Honnavar taluk near Bhatkal on Tuesday, was laid to rest in his native village of Kukkaji near Mangaluru in the early hours of Wednesday.
Hundreds of people, including religious scholars, local residents, relatives and well-wishers, participated in the funeral prayers and burial rites.
Madani, a resident of Kukkaji in Bantwal taluk near Mangaluru, had been serving at Muhiddin Jamia Masjid in Kasarkod, where he taught the Quran and basic Islamic studies to children.
He died while delivering the Asr Azaan after the mosque's regular muazzin was reportedly on leave. CCTV footage from the mosque showed him reciting the call to prayer before suddenly appearing unwell. He was unable to complete the Azaan and sat down near the microphone. Worshippers present at the mosque immediately rushed to assist him and shifted him to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed his death.
The incident, captured on the mosque's surveillance cameras, later drew widespread attention after the footage circulated on social media.
Following the incident, funeral prayers were offered at Muhiddin Jamia Masjid after the Isha prayer on Tuesday night. After the completion of funeral rites, the body was transported to his native village of Kukkaji at around 9 p.m. and was laid to rest at the local graveyard at about 2 a.m. on Wednesday.
Madani is survived by his wife, a son and three young daughters.
His sudden demise while performing a religious duty has evoked grief among residents and members of the community.