By Arlington Kandira
The burial of late sungura musician Nicholas Zacharia, popularly known as Madzibaba, has ignited debate after claims circulated that he was buried according to Islamic rites, despite family confirmation that he was not a Muslim.
Questions arose following videos and statements in which Zacharia had previously referred to himself as a Muslim. However, close family members dismissed the claims, stating that the late musician never participated in Islamic prayers during his lifetime, a key requirement for one to be recognised as a Muslim.
Family sources further revealed that Zacharia was once affiliated with the Johanne Masowe eChishanu church, where he earned the nickname Madzibaba, but later disengaged from organised religion altogether.
According to relatives, Zacharia was of Chewa origin, and the family opted to bury him in line with Chewa cultural traditions, which include interment without a coffin.
While Islamic burial practices also involve burying the deceased without a coffin, Islamic rites require four distinct steps: bathing the body, shrouding it in white cloth, performing the Swalaat al-Janaazah (funeral prayer), and burial.
Freelance journalist Alington Kandira spoke to Sheikh Idris Kola, who presided over the burial at Chavakaira in Chivhu. Sheikh Kola confirmed that the family acknowledged Zacharia was not a Muslim but requested that burial proceedings follow Chewa customs.
“The family clearly stated that Nicholas Zacharia was not a Muslim and asked that he be buried according to Chewa culture,” Sheikh Kola said.
Despite this clarification, some Muslims in different parts of the country have expressed concern, arguing that the burial resembled Islamic practice. Religious leaders, however, have urged the public not to conflate cultural customs with religious doctrine.
“Chewa is a culture, while Islam is a religion. The two should not be confused,” said one Islamic scholar. The one who presided over the proceedings made a mistake of praying for Zacharia the Islamic way rather than the caltural way the family wanted, said one Islamic Scholar who did not want his name to be published.
The family insists that Zacharia’s burial was purely cultural.
For comments, Feedback and Opinions do get in touch with our editor on WhatsApp: +44 7949 297606 or Email: editor@thezimbabwetimes.co.zw.
