Islamic Scholar Dies of Suspected Cardiac Arrest While Delivering Azaan at Kasarkod Mosque
Maulana Abdul Latheef Madani, 51, collapsed during the Asr call to prayer; CCTV footage shows him reciting before suddenly falling unwell.
Bhatkal, June 9, 2026 An Islamic scholar passed away on Tuesday after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest while delivering the Azaan (Islamic call to prayer) at a mosque in Kasarkod village, located in Honnavar taluk, approximately 35 kilometers from Bhatkal.
The incident has drawn widespread attention after CCTV footage of the moment surfaced on social media, showing the cleric reciting the opening phrases of the Azaan before suddenly appearing unwell.
A Devoted Teacher Called to Prayer
The deceased has been identified as Maulana Abdul Latheef Madani, 51, originally from BC Road near Mangaluru. According to local sources, Madani had been teaching the Quran and basic Islamic studies to children at Muhiddin Jamia Masjid in Kasarkod.
On Tuesday, he stepped in to deliver the Asr (afternoon) Azaan because the mosque’s regular muazzin (caller to prayer) was on leave.
The CCTV footage shows Madani beginning the call normally. He recited the opening phrases with devotion before he was seen becoming unwell. He was unable to complete the Azaan and sat down near the microphone. Bystanders immediately rushed him to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
Community Grieves Sudden Loss
Following the news, many local residents rushed to the mosque. Funeral prayers were offered at Muhiddin Jamia Masjid after the Isha (night) prayer, attended by a large number of residents, religious scholars, and well-wishers. His body was later taken to his native place near Mangaluru for burial.
Madani is survived by his wife, a son, and three young daughters.
The sudden demise of the cleric while performing a religious duty has evoked deep grief among local residents and members of the community across the Bhatkal region.