Aja Maimuna Yadalieu Savage, a well-known female Islamic scholar, has died at age 69.

She will be laid to rest today at the Muhammed Yadalieu School grounds in Kanifing at 5pm.

She left behind four children and many grand-children. Gambians have been pouring tributes to the deceased. Her demise has been described as “a great loss to the country”.

Aja Savage also founded the Islamic Cultural Centre for Women and Children where they teach them the Holy Qur’an and other Islamic teachings. 

“Our dear mother in Islam is gone Ajaratou Maimuna Savage,” Ismaila Fadera said in tribute to the deceased.

“The best Female Quranic Interpreter our Motherland ever produced Saida Aja Maimuna Savage has passed away. She went a step higher by owning a School that teaches both Arabic and English language, where 1000s of students have learned and are still learning a great deal about their religion. Our condolences to the family,” another mourner said.

Mariam Lamin Mbaye also said: “May Allah grant her Jannah.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba