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Why I sponsored posthumous Hajj for Hausa musician Narambada – Sheikh Khalil
Maude Rabiu Gwadabe
Renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil says he sponsored a posthumous Hajj for Hausa singer Ibrahim Narambada to express his deep love for the late musician.
Mr Khalil disclosed this in an exclusive interview with KANO FOCUS on the sidelines of a conference organized by Bayero University Kano to commemorate Narambada’s legacy.
“In Alhaji Dandurgu’s song, Narambada said he didn’t want money but to be sponsored to perform the Hajj.
“When I learned that his wish was not fulfilled, I sponsored a pious man to perform the Hajj about 20 years ago with the hope that Allah records the reward in Narambada’s account.” Mr Khalil said.
The Islamic scholar explained that he loves Narambada for his outstanding qualities such as his deep knowledge, brilliance, good conduct, respect for his teachers, devotion to his mother and insistence that even his troupe members must be of good conduct.
“For example, in Sarkin Gobir’s song, Narambada said he has stopped lying even in his songs as he has passed 60 and was hoping to reach 70.” Mr. Khalil said.
Singing and Music in Islam
The Islamic scholar said there is nothing wrong in listening to music as singing is not a sin in Islam.
“Singing is like speaking. What you say determines whether it is sinful or not.” He explained.
He however said that music is contentious among Islamic scholars.
“Some scholars permit music without any reservations while some consider it absolutely sinful.
“However the most authentic position is that music is permissible but the context of its performance may be sinful.
“It is therefore sinful to perform music at a casino or brothel for example.” He said.
Mr. Khalil added that people who do not listen to music are losing out on the wisdom that is inherent in songs.
“Those that listen to music and songs will be wiser than those that do not.
“And those that do not listen to music have lost 50% of what they need to calm their minds and shape their lives.”
Who was Narambada?
Ibrahim Narambada was a Hausa traditional musician who was born in 1890 and died in 1963.
His father Mai Dangwale was from Filinge area of Niger Republic but settled at Tubali village in modern day Zamfara state where Narambada was born.
Narambada dominated the Hausa music scene during his life and left about 50 documented songs after his death.
His most famous songs include Dokin Iska Danhilinge, Madogara na Malam Iro, and Gwarzon Shamaki.
Former Kano State Governor and Senator, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, has voiced his disappointment and concern regarding the Federal Government’s approach to distributing rice palliatives in Kano State.
During a recent week-long visit to Kano, Senator Kwankwaso observed that while governors in 35 other states received the palliatives directly, Kano’s allocation was controversially handed over to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), sidestepping the state government entirely.
Senator Kwankwaso condemned this move as a blatant violation of constitutional principles, accusing the government of taking partisanship to an unacceptable level.
He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately suspend the distribution process and address the issue.
In addition, Senator Kwankwaso expressed concern over the frequent reshuffling of State Directors of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kano, noting that three different directors had been posted and reposted within just two weeks, potentially jeopardizing the state’s security.
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has inaugurated a postgraduate foreign scholarship program under his foundation, aimed at providing advanced educational opportunities for students from Kano.
The scholarship will enable beneficiaries to pursue postgraduate studies in cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity and Forensic Science, and Robotics Technology in India, China, and Thailand.
During a ceremony in Kano on Monday, where admission letters were distributed to the first batch of 70 recipients, Jibrin emphasized that the selected students would embark on two-year postgraduate programs in these technologically advanced fields.
Jibrin highlighted the rigorous and transparent selection process overseen by a dedicated committee, which prioritized academic excellence.
Only candidates with first-class or second-class upper degrees were considered, ensuring that the most qualified students were chosen.
He stressed that the process was impartial, noting that he had no personal connections with any of the beneficiaries.
Importantly, the scholarship is not limited to students from Kano North, Jibrin’s senatorial district, but is inclusive of all 44 local government areas in Kano State.
“Our goal is to invest in the future of our youth through education,” Jibrin stated.
“We carefully selected these areas of study because they are at the forefront of modern technology.
“This initiative is designed to equip our students with the skills needed for the overall development of our nation.”
Jibrin encouraged the beneficiaries to be diligent in their studies and to represent Nigeria positively in their host countries.
He also expressed that students who find opportunities abroad after their studies are welcome to stay and gain further experience before returning to Nigeria.
Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, lauded Jibrin for his commitment to advancing education and providing such opportunities for Kano’s youth.
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
In a significant academic milestone, the Senate of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has approved the promotion of 90 senior academics to the ranks of Professors and Associate Professors.
KANO FOCUS reports that the decision was made during the Senate’s 416th meeting, held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.
The promotion list includes 45 academics who have attained the rank of Professor, further bolstering BUK’s academic reputation across various disciplines.
Among those promoted to Professor are Dr. Umar Sani Fagge, now Professor of Arabic Language; Dr. Ibrahim Muazzam Saminu Maibushira, Professor of Islamic Thought and Civilization; and Dr. Tijjani Muhammad Naniya, who has been elevated to Professor of Social and Political History.
In the sciences, Dr. Mukhtar Ridwanu Bunza has been promoted to Professor of Forest Ecology and Silviculture, while Dr. Kasim Muhammad has become Professor of Environmental Engineering. Other notable promotions include Dr. Murtala M. Badamasi as Professor of Geography and Dr. Salisu Maiwada Abubakar as Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry.
The list also highlights the promotion of five female academics to full Professorships, underscoring BUK’s commitment to gender diversity in academia. Among them are Dr. Ummulkhair A. Dantata, now Professor of Hausa Language; Dr. Latifa Musa Pedro, Professor of Health Economics; and Dr. Hauwa Musa Abdullahi, who has become Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
In addition to these promotions, 45 academics have been elevated to the rank of Associate Professor.
This includes Dr. Lawal Muhammad Bello in Electrical Engineering, Dr. Warshu Tijjani Rabi’u in Islamic Studies & Shari’ah, and Sunusi Iguda in Mass Communication.
This wave of promotions reflects BUK’s dedication to academic excellence and its ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of education and research within the institution.
The university continues to position itself as a leading center of learning and scholarship in Nigeria and beyond.
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