Opinion

Late Dr Ahmad Bamba:The Exit Of An Icon

Published

2 years ago

January 8, 2022

By Bin Isah

Of all events, death stands the best chance to hold the most central attention. It’s gripping, and its grasp strong. It resembles gravity, but its force is more powerful. And it always provokes shock, pain and grief. And no matter the frequency of its happening, it is still not a normalcy. Upon its occurrence, people will respond with the same reaction as ever before. Allah SWT put it as a test, a warning and a path to the final home. But some deaths hit harder than some, and some leave deeper scars than the ordinary.

On 7th of January, death had dawned upon us with its darkness. It took a light, that is what knowledge represents. A knowledgeable mind of higher erudition, a paragon of wisdom and virtue, an epitome of Islamic scholarship and understanding, Dr Ahmad Bamba, BUK, Kala Haddasana, is gone. And that means a chasm has been created, a gap that can never be refilled.

Breaking:Renown Hadith Translator Dr Ahmad Is Dead

When I first heard him in our home in my more younger days, I asked about him. I was curious to know, for something about him was indeed captivating. An elder brother of ours that used to bring his audio tapes to our abode said he was a teacher to Mallam Ja’afar. That’s the description that cut a long story short. We already knew Mallam Ja’afar, so he was the teacher of teachers, a scholar that produces scholars.

Dr Ahmad Bamba, was said to have appeared as a public preacher for three decades, that is, since his return from the Islamic University of Madina in 1991. In these periods, no any occupation had seduced him away from his devotion to his Islamic teaching and preaching. And this long time of service, on the path of Allah SWT and for the guidance of the people, is sufficient to provide a picture of a man with purpose, dignity and piety. His pleasure in the work had penetrated him so much that no any stress could disrupt it.

Even at 82, Dr Ahmad did not retire. His life had no any ambition but Da’awa service, informing people on how to live in the light of Divine Pleasure under the guidance of His Prophet, Muhammad SAW. He believed that people need to lead a righteous life, and in as much as he breathed he would have no any other endeavour. And it is clear that his life has been a blessed, graceful one. The grace that Allah SWT placed in his work is apparent. He lived with his faculties in function, and with such a vigor that scares even the energetic young. His thinking remained acute, his voice sounding, and his movement full of life. It’s the blessing of Allah SWT.

And what is more wonderful about Dr Ahmad Bamba is the way his style touches upon the tastes of all ages. The young and the old, men and women will tell you they like him. His Hausa language is original, his explanation lucid, and his treatment of matters loose, and that makes people listen to him with passion. He has a special knack for making the complex simple, and his grasp of social experience puts him at another edge. And his preaching is not boring, it’s full of fun.

Whoever remembers Dr Ahmad BUK will tell you that it’s by his reading of “isnad” he recognises him. In fact, “Kala Haddasana” is another name for him. Here is the man that spent his best time at service to the Prophetic Sunnah, teaching people the times and life of the Prophet SAW, as exemplified in his words and actions, at home and at away, making the Prophet SAW more accessible to the seeker. The prophet’s relationship with Allah SWT, with his wives, with other people across different paths and faiths, etc, Dr Ahmad leaves no any aspect without a word on its meaning and value based on the acceptable accounts.

The most popular, most reliable and well documented six books of hadith that are called “kutubus sitta” have been taught by him, and with such a precision that goes within the public purview. And Scholars that learn from him never miss his technical analysis of the . Both the public and the scholars are carried along, and this could only be done by an exceptionally phenomenal teacher. And Dr Ahmad is one. And that’s the greatest achievement that no one could beat him in its regard. He is the only champion in his league. His “Mawatta Malik” is even published into a voluminous, enriching book, and in the living language of the people, and that shows that his legacy will dance to the music of time.

Sheikh Muhammad bin Othman observed a moving Khubta, with tears breaking out of his eyes, and his breath choking him at throat. He recounted the condition in which he found Dr Ahmad at hospital, and described it as the most traumatizing one, but what Allah SWT decreed is the most prevailing. He said, “I saw knowledge before me, lying on the bed —ga ilimi kwance. Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajiun.” I could not do anything, we could do nothing about it, he added. “Dr was not even conscious. I left with a heavy heart, and the whole night I couldn’t sleep well.” In the morning, around 10:58, he was informed that Dr Ahmad was no more. Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajiun.

The death of Dr Ahmad recalls to life the life he has lived, and that its mark shall remain upon the mind of the living. It is however a void that stimulates remorse at the recess of people’s hearts, because such a loss is irreplaceable. Though his knowledge shall continue, and his wisdom be applied in the art living, discussing and teaching, his absence will leave many questions unanswered and many problems unsolved when they surface. There are gifts that leave with those that bear them. And Dr Ahmad is gone.

While being interviewed after the funeral prayer, Dr Sani Umar R/Lemo described the loss as huge, a bleak sign that knowledge is precipitating. He said that people will indeed feel the emptiness occasioned by Dr Ahmad’s leaving. Of all their lives, they know Dr Ahmad with teaching and preaching. He is a guide, a father, a guardian, as Sheikh Dr Abdallah G/Kaya put it. To all scholars, he is a role model, an example to be emulated. And scholars from different parts of the world have expressed their sadness over the loss. And to Allah SWT we all belong, and to him is our return.

I was at the graveyard, close to his grave, and what I saw and felt in that moment will stay with me for a longest while. In fact, the entire experience shall be memorable. People were swallowed by grief, held by remorse and chained by love. Upon the arrival of his body, I found myself frozen with words and motions. I remained silent, only feeling the sensation of the pain that engulfed me. I shed tears, and over the fact that Dr Ahmad was truly gone. Here is a knowledge in shroud, a remarkable personality buried, a pious scholar being laid to rest. Only “Allahu Akbar” and “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajiun” that filled the air held me, but I could have fallen aground. Finally, Dr Ahmad was in his grave, closed and gone, forever. Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajiun.

Opinion

Why They Are Afraid Of Ganduje

Published

2 days ago

April 23, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

By Abubakar Umar

While preparing to pen this write up I just scrolled the news and read that the Kano High court that ordered the suspension of the APC National chairman Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje have vacated the order pending the determination of the suit on 30th April.

From the look of things and with his glowing political clout since he joined politics in the second Republic Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje the former Governor of Kano state is giving sleepless nights to many politicians particularly from his home state of Kano where the melting pot of Nigerian politics emanated from.

No vex his emergence as the National chairman of Nigerias ruling party has brought down the evil machinations of some politicians who sees Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as a stumbling block to their political ambition at the national stage .

The administrator cum politician as many people will attest to knew very well that interms of experience and political calculations he has no match especially from the North West political zone where the National chairman hails from .

They know very well that the national working committee of the party and President Asiwaju Bola Ahmad Tinubu have done the right calculation by placing an elder politician and a two term Governor of the most difficult state to Govern in the whole Nigeria as the chairman of the Nigerian ruling party.

They knew very well that his stature has made him one of the most visible and hardworking APC National chairman since its formation in the year 2013.

The conscripted script being played by agents of destabilzation in order to make the ruling party irrelevant can only be done if they try to use some political zealots with the aim of making the National Chairman look like someone who can not sail through their evil conspiracy .

It was understood that the only way the NNPP Governent in Kano will change it’s political nest is to cut down the tree that is supposed to give it a shade but instead of humbling themselves and submit themselves to the party’s National Secretariat in which Dr. Ganduje is the leader they starte beating about the bush like a child’s play.

Dr.Ganduje had since humbled them politically and by visiting the state on January 25 ,2024 to invite them to the ruling party without vengeance .

He extended the hand of friendship that politics is is the ability to make sacrifices and compromise .

It was that compromise and sacrifice that made some of his political foes make accomplishments they never dream to achieve but still they are not grateful with the his sacrifice and patience .

Today the courts have vindicated by Dr.Abdullahi Umar and the APC national stalwarts across the country who are comfortable with the leadership style of Dr.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Opinion

Celebrating Emir Sulu -Gambari at 84

Published

3 days ago

April 22, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari ,Emir Of Ilorin

By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo

Today the highly revered Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu -Gambari CFR marks 84 years birthday.The former Jurist ascended the throne of his forefathers on Monday and he was also born on Monday. What a coincidence!

Being alive up to the age of 84 is a rare opportunity for anyone who really appreciate the homongous favour of the Almighty.The Chancellor of Bayero University Kano is an example of an Emir with a digital disposition and inclination.He believes so much in the progress of individuals and the entire Ilorin Emirate.

Dwelling so much about his career as a retired Justice of Court of Appeal may not be necessary as many are aware of it.The Emir stands out as a man who had made Ilorin as a City to move away from the old ways of doing things even in terms of education. He has encouraged scholarship in all ramifications. Be it in Islamic perspective and western education. Emir Sulu Gambari is the first University graduate to have ascended the throne in more two centuries of Ilorin Emirate history .

Before his ascension to the throne of his progenitors, Ilorin had a handful of professors but today they’re as many as possible.He has achieved a lot but you know traditionally such may not be made public.

Mai Martaba has provided purposeful and impactful leadership, this can be captured in the words of Abubakar Imam, the National Secretary of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union IEDPU thus:

“The Emir has always taken care of the welfare and wellbeing of the ordinary people of his Emirate in words and actions. For instance, he initiated a Fund through which money was raised to address the immediate needs of the downtrodden people and residents of the community. The Fund was chaired by the Danmansani of Ilorin, Engr Sulaiman Ayinde Yahaya Alapansanpa, FNSE, while the immediate past National President of IEDPU, Alhaji Aliyu Otta Uthman, fsi, was the Alternate Chairman. Over 15,000 individuals from all the nooks and crannies of Ilorin Emirate benefited from the Fund during the course of the perilous COVID-19 epidemic, which rocked the humanity about five years ago. It will also be recalled that the Emir purchased 400 bundles of corrugated iron sheet, which was distributed to the less privileged members of the community who were affected by a devastating rainstorm in 2021. The then IEDPU President was given the task of getting the item delivered at the footsteps of the victims of the natural disaster”

Before the coming of Emir of Ilorin, University of Ilorin was not a place an Ilorin indigene can gain admission into easily.In fact, only few had opportunity to school there at that time.But Emir Sulu -Gambari and other stakeholders ensured that an indigenous Vice Chancellor was giving opportunity to lead the Ivory tower for the first time,in person of Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem, the Talba of Ilorin Emirate .May Allah continue to grant Professor good health and plenty baraka. Professor Oba cannot even mention all those he has assisted, because the numbers are huge.

Today, there is fairness in the issue of admission into university of Ilorin.The standard was established by the administration of Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem and has been sustained by his successors.

Eminent sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate are already sending their warmest messages to the Emir.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has rejoiced with the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara state traditional rulers Council

The Emir, according to the Governor, “has remained a father to all while also deploying his rich experiences and networks to support not just the people of the Ilorin Emirate but also the people of the state as a whole.

The Governor prays to Allaah to give His Royal Highness good health and long life, and continue to uphold him upon goodness in his service to the people of the Emirate”

The Turaki of Ilorin Emirate and Senator representing Kwara Central senatorial district, Senator Saliu Mustapha has also congratulated the His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, on the occasion of his 84th birthday anniversary

Senator Mustapha described the revered Emir who is a retired eminent jurist as “an ambassador of peace with an admirable style of leadership”

He affirmed that since the respected monarch’s ascension to the throne of his forefathers in 1995 as the 11th Emir of Ilorin, he has brought a lot of development and glamour to the entire State.

While extolling the emir’s humility and modernized vision for his domain and the country at large, Senator Mustapha prays God Almighty to grant the royal father more years of worthy service to his people and humanity in good health.

Furthermore,Honourable Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency also greeted the Emir “His Royal Highness has exemplified wisdom, compassion, and integrity throughout his reign, serving as a beacon of hope for the people of Ilorin and beyond. His visionary leadership has brought about tremendous growth and development, with a keen focus on fostering unity and inclusivity amongst his subjects. His unwavering dedication to our collective well-being is a testament to his selflessness and genuine concern for his people”

Under his guidance, Ilorin has witnessed a remarkable transformation, with strides made in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and socio-economic development. His Royal Highness’s commitment to fostering a harmonious and prosperous society has played a pivotal role in shaping the Ilorin of today – a thriving community that takes pride in its rich cultural heritage while embracing the promise of a brighter future”

Similarly, A former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulwahab Oladimeji Issa has felicitated the Emir of Ilorin.He extolled the Emir thus,”his uncommon leadership qualities” and prayed that God grants him many more years of service to the people of Ilorin emirate and Nigeria.

“As you mark your 84th birthday anniversary which comes up today Monday, April 22nd, 2024, I write, on behalf of my family to extend warm felicitations to Your Highness.

“Only recently, you marked twenty-eight years of unquantified success on the throne as the Emir of Ilorin. Your uncommon leadership qualities and evident faith in the peace, unity, progress, and prosperity of the Ilorin emirate and beyond, have combined to make you one of the most highly respected monarchs in Nigeria today.

“As you continue to use your exalted throne to build bridges of friendship and harmony across Kwara state and the nation, it is my prayer that Almighty Allah grants you many more years of abounding health, prosperity, and enduring fulfillment,” he added.

Hajiya Arinola Lawal also felicitates Emir of Ilorin on 84th birthday anniversary,
“I extend my warmest wishes and heartfelt prayers to His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Emir of Ilorin, on the occasion of his birthday

I beseech Allah to grant His Royal Highness a long and prosperous reign on the throne of his fathers, filled with peace, stability, and blessings for the Ilorin Emirate”

Meanwhile, LT Col Ramat Suleiman also joined the league of prominent Ilorin Emirate sons and daughters to celebrate the Emir Sulu -Gambari at 84.She described the Emir as a father to all and a lover of peace.The first Ilorin Emirate woman to have attained the rank of LT Col in the military extolled the Emir as a leader with great vision and prayed to Allah to grant him good health and more years ahead on the throne of his forefathers.

Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem,Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, Honourable Moshood Mustapha,Former Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Hajiya Tundun Alanamu, Barrister Oba Magaji and others have also greeted the Emir at 84.

By way of conclusion,without mincing words Ilorin Emirate has witnessed tremendous transformation under the leadership of Emir Sulu -Gambari in all facets of the Emirate since his ascension in 1995.I wish the Emir a prosperous, healthy and pious 84th birthday anniversary and more years ahead Insha Allah.

Sheeeehuuuu.Walahu ya’simuka minna nas

abdurraheemsaaddembo@gmail.com

Opinion

For Adamu A Zango:Simple Solution To Your Compounded Problems

Published

5 days ago

April 21, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Adam A Zango

Tijjani Muhammad Musa

I usually don’t like writing on celebrities except if the issue borders on religious matters. Even so, it’s not any trivial matter that makes my ink flow. For me, talking to stars is like calling on someone who has taken a turn.

But once in a while, I do make an exception when it comes to situations that need prompt intervention towards saving a soul that’s heading to the edge of the abyss. I have succeeded on one or two cases though. AlhamdulilLaah

And lately, with so much misfortunes befalling guys in the Arewa entertainment industry, most especially Kannywood, one can’t help but smell the unpleasant stench in the air, and thus whiff the hand to ward it off.

This brings us to the latest trending issue of Adamu A Zango’s depression crisis. Those concerned about him have been raising alarm on social media of an impending doom that could likely befall him if he is not counselled on time.

Well, it’s that serious. Many say he needs help urgently and beg those who can to approach him and save actor cum musical icon from himself. Those close to him should as a matter of urgency do. For us from afar, we can only submit thus:

The perfect solution to Adamu A. Zango’s problem and dilemma much as some wouldn’t want to hear it can be found in the Holy Qur’an Surah Al-Anbiya (21) verses 83-84 where Allaah SWT Says:

83. And (remember) Ayyûb (Job), when he cried to his Lord: “Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy.”

84. So We answered his call, and We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him (that he had lost) and the like thereof along with them as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all those who worship us.

Again relate to the same Surah Q21:87-88 which brings forth how Yunus AS was able to free himself from utter hopelessness into Allaah’s Grace and Mercy. Note the Promise of Allaah SWT to grant others who worship Him similar grace if they should repeat same du’a.

So Adamu, first you must prepare your mind by connecting to your Lord, sincerely seeking His Graceful intervention in your matters. How? Sincere repentance is key and subsequently seek for forgiveness for all your bad deeds.

Next abstain from all acts of disobedience to Allaah. Thereafter, perform 2 raka’at of Salah, after which you should engage in DhikrAllaah, reciting the du’a of Ayub AS in Q21:83 and Yunus AS in Q21:87

Finally, form the habit of reciting the Qur’an and listening to it on a regular basis. Always perform your 5 daily obligatory prayers in congregation and keep off anybody or anything that will constitute a distraction to your focus on your developing a close relationship with your Lord Allaah AWJ.

If you can take these few simple, but highly challenging steps and implement them in your life, it is a guarantee that you will be free from all these stresses and distresses to a life of unprecedented peace bi iznilLaah..

But as a Kannywood and Hausa music celebrity, this solution though simple as it may seem might be the most difficult thing for you to adopt. And I believe you know why. And that sadly is where the problem truly lies.

Unless one is ready to embrace a change of lifestyle from his or her norm to Allaah’s laid out norms, things in life will keep challenging their peace and tranquility of the person.

Hope this helps .

Tijjani Muhammad Musa is the chairman Association of Nigerian Authors Kano branch