…Disciples and Clerics Praise His Virtues
By Abdulaziz Ibrahim, Yola
Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, a distinguished Islamic scholar and leader of the Tijjaniyyah followers, has reached the remarkable age of 100 years according to the Islamic calendar. Born on the 2nd of Almuharram 1346 A.H. (equivalent to 100 years ago), Sheikh Bauchi’s contributions to Islamic scholarship and education have been widely lauded.
Originally from Nafada, which was part of Bauchi State and now falls under Gombe State, Sheikh Bauchi currently resides in Kofar Gombe.
His early education in Islamic studies began under the guidance of his father, Alhaji Usman, where he became a Hafizul Qur-ān (memorizer of the Glorious Qur-ān) before the age of 20. He continued his studies under numerous respected Islamic scholars, both within Nigeria and abroad, with Sheikh Ibrāhīm Inyass being particularly influential. His deep knowledge earned him the title of Professor of Qur-ānic memorization and education, and he is revered as one of the world’s foremost Mufassirun (interpreters of the Glorious Qur-ān).
Sheikh Bauchi started delivering Tafsīr (Qur-ānic exegesis) lectures in Bauchi State in 1948, dedicating 76 years to explaining the Holy Qur-ān. His Tafsīr sessions began airing on Bauchi Radio Corporation in 1976 and later expanded to Radio Nigeria Kaduna in 1980. Today, his teachings are broadcasted on numerous radio stations across northern Nigeria, especially during Ramadan.
With a large family that includes 100 children, 406 grandchildren, and 100 great-grandchildren, Sheikh Bauchi’s legacy of Qur-ān memorization continues to thrive. Remarkably, 78 of his children, over 199 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren have also memorized the Qur-ān, blending Islamic and Western education.
Sheikh Bauchi has performed Hajj 55 times and Umrah 205 times. He has also provided 1,000 homes in Bauchi and Kaduna states, among others in northern Nigeria, for his children and students to live in rent-free. He has established numerous Islamic schools and agricultural lands.
He is known for his insightful sermons, which have led many individuals to embrace Islam, particularly during Ramadan. He advocates for the worship of Allah alone, seeking forgiveness, expressing gratitude for divine blessings, and sending blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). As Deputy Chairman of the Fatwa Committee of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, his influence is profound.
While there was no formal celebration for his centenary, his disciples and clerics offered special prayers in mosques, expressing gratitude for his life and accomplishments. They praised his impeccable service to Islam and humanity, emphasizing his role as a dedicated and steadfast leader.
Mallam Ahmad Tijjani Saeed remarked, “Sheikh Bauchi, as he celebrates his centenary in good health, leaves behind a profound legacy of a life devoted to Allah, his nation, and humanity.”
Others, including Mallam Ahmad Tijjani Kolo, Sanusi Ahmad, and Muhammad Sogiji, commended Sheikh Bauchi’s bravery in speaking out against injustice, corruption, and societal ills such as immorality, cultism, and drug abuse.
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