Why Samia Suluhu stayed away from her husband’s graveside during burial
By William Muthama, September 8, 2026Hafidh Ameir Hassan, Tanzania’s first First Gentleman, was buried in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, on Monday, September 7, 2026, following Islamic funeral rites.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan did not appear at her husband’s graveside during the burial, while Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi was among those present during the final rites.
Hafidh Ameir died earlier that day at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital after receiving treatment for a heart condition.
His funeral prayers were conducted shortly after his death, with Zanzibar Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh Omar Kaabi leading the Janazah prayers before the body was taken for burial in Kizimkazi, South Unguja, the family’s home area.
Images from the burial showed mourners gathered for Hafidh Ameir’s final send-off, with President Hussein Ali Mwinyi also present as the family and other mourners paid their final respects.
Why Samia was not at the graveside
The absence of President Samia from the graveside is linked to traditional funeral practices observed among Muslims in Zanzibar.
In traditional Zanzibar Muslim funerals, women have historically not accompanied the deceased to the graveside during the actual burial.
The interment is generally carried out by men, while women remain away from the grave and take part in other mourning activities.
This custom has been observed in parts of Zanzibar for generations and provides important context for President Samia’s absence during her husband’s burial.
What Islamic tradition says
The practice also has a basis in differing Islamic views on women accompanying funeral processions.
Some Sunni Islamic scholars consider women following the funeral procession to the cemetery to be discouraged, while others permit it under certain conditions. There are also differing scholarly views on women visiting graves.
Women can participate in funeral prayers, although practices surrounding Janazah prayers vary among Muslim communities.
This means the practice should not be described as a universal Islamic rule preventing women from attending burials. In Zanzibar, religious traditions and local customs have shaped how funeral roles are observed.
Following her husband’s death, President Samia has also entered the Islamic iddah period prescribed for widows.
For a widow who is not pregnant, iddah it lasts four months and 10 days. During this period, a widow observes specific mourning requirements, including avoiding adornment and perfume.
Some Islamic legal interpretations also require a widow to remain at home except when there is a legitimate need.