Opinion
Book Review: Quintessential Elegance in Islamic Scholarship, Sheikh Ibrahim Khaleel
Abdalla Uba Adamu
There are three Islamic clerics in Kano that I am attracted to. No reason than the fact that their preaching sits well with me. “Allah Ya ce, Manzon Allah Ya ce”. End of discussion. If they do occasionally meander off, I tune out, but they rarely do.
The first was the fiery Malam Lawal Ƙalarawi who died in a month like this, i.e. Ramadan, in 1999 in his seventies. Traditional. Down to earth. No fancy frills. He was your typical street preacher, combining so many elements of narrative prowess in his delivery. Not to everyone’s taste, due to his loud, raucous and often bawdy choice of words, but Ƙalarawi told it like it was (the actual meaning of “Ƙalarawi”). He was never afraid of telling the truth – including to his own fellow clerics. His mode of preaching elicited divided responses from his publics. But, like him or loath him, you simply can’t ignore him.
Ƙalarawi lived and preached in the analog era, and the corpus of his preaching was mainly available on audio cassettes. Thanks to enthusiasts, many of these tapes have been converted to MP3 and uploaded to YouTube, where various audio bot scrappers also harvest them and deposit them on many audio depositories across the web. The recordings, though, being not professionally made, were scratchy and often difficult to properly hear. But since no one bothered for fully document him while he was alive, except for his namesake, the excellent Mal. Ƙalarawi in the Wambai Market (who has the largest archival recording of the Sheikh), this is all we have to contend with.
However, Dr. Abdullahi Garba Imam of the Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies has done a wonderful work on Mal. Ƙalarawi. His M.A. thesis submitted to the Department of Nigerian Languages, Bayero University Kano in 2005 was, to the best of my knowledge, the only main academic work on Ƙalarawi’s preaching. Titled “Malam Lawan Ƙalarawi: Nazarin sassan Adabi a Cikin Ayyukan sa.” I was privileged to have a copy of this rare book. I have often insisted to Dr. Imam to consider publishing it as it will really benefit a lot of people to understand appreciate the linguistic excellence of Mal. Lawan Ƙalarawi and the methodology of his preaching. I am pretty sure lack of sponsorship might have contributed to the stagnation of the idea.
The second was Sheikh Ibrahim Aminu Daurawa. I became attracted to his preaching due to his scholastic references in Islamic history. That was really what brought me to focus on him in the mid-2000s. His focus on backing up almost every statement he made with historical references, in the age where there was no Google or ChatGPT, was to me, truly impressive, for it evokes hours spent pouring over volumes of Arabic books.
Sheikh Daurawa instantly reminded me of another beloved cleric, Sheikh Umaru Sanda (d. 2004) whose weekly religious program on RTK in the 1970s transfixed me due to the massive array of books he surrounded himself with, providing references to virtually every statement he made to back it up. He was a true polymath, well-versed in Islamic sciences as well as Cosmology, Astrology, Cryptology and others. Umar Ibrahim’s Arewa House paper, “Documenting and Sharing Indigenous Knowledge in Private Libraries in Nigeria: The Case of Sheikh Umar Sanda Library” (2010) brilliantly captures the intellectual in Sheikh Umaru Sanda Zaria.
I was aware a book was being planned on Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, but I am not sure if the project was completed or stalled. In any event, it should be revisited, for there is a need for the public to know about this important and highly knowledge Muslim scholar from Kano.
Then the last. Sheikh Ibrahim Khaleel. Another polymath and seeker of knowledge. I was conducting research on gender and public sphere years ago and wanted opinions of various clerics. I asked for “zafafa” as well as “sauƙaƙƙu” – fiery and easy ones. The fiery ones refused to talk to me. The first easy one, Sheikh Khalil, not only agreed to talk to me, but also allowed me to record both audio and take pictures. He instantly warmed my heart. And he loved Michael Jackson! It was shocking! Later, I discovered that the favorite nickname for him in Kano was “Starcomms” (a defunct service provider), due to the ease of his Islamic rulings and preaching—da’awah delivered in a non-intimidating digestible manner. What was truly impressive about him was his desire to bring about change in public accountability by diving deep into party politics, based on the view that if the right people don’t lead, then the wrong people will.
As usual, one thing led to another. I was rummaging through the library when I came across the only book on Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil that I know of. This was Muhammad Sanusi Umar’s “Mallam Ibrahim Khalil: The Practice of Knowledge” (Tellettes Consulting Company Ltd, 2009). Published with, I think, financial assistance from the then Kano State Government, this book is an excellent introduction to the life, times and formative ideas of Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil before he became as established as he is now.
In his ‘author’s notes’, Umar drew attention to the fact that Sheikh Khalil is “ by far different from the people of his time” as one of the main motives for writing the biography. The book captures the qualities that makes Sheikh Khalil a rare item in this fractured world of different doctrinal interpretations of Islam, especially in northern Nigeria. He is certainly one of the most respected Islamic clerics in Nigeria due to his focus on core Islamic teaching, rather than amassing followership through popularity. He is also a polymath with incredible instantaneous knowledge of Islamic history and theology. He affectionately refers to me as the “digital professor”, while I refer to him as the “digital Sheikh” due to his incredible memory of Islamic facts, rulings and history.
i am not sure if this book is available, but if it is not, Mal. Sanusi should consider updating it to capture the more recent engagements of Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil in public affairs.
Abdalla is a Professor of Media and Cultural Studies, he first published this on his Facebook account.
By Abdulaziz Abdulaziz
As I readied myself to anchor a special Iftar dinner in honour of His Excellency President Bola Tinubu holding this evening thoughts about the man race in my mind: What is unique about the President? What do I admire about him? What are the memorable moments with him?
The story of the rise of Bola Tinubu from humble beginnings to the pinnacle is largely well known. There is no point regurgitating it. However, observing and working with man up close with bring to the fore many attributes that contribute in shaping his worldwide, his character, his leadership acumen and aided his rise to the top.
First, President Tinubu is very human and humane. He is human in the sense that he is humble, authentic and true to himself. No airs, no pride, no cosmetics. He relates well with his old friends, associates and staff in a convivial atmosphere devoid of haughtiness associated with people in power. He shares jokes less than he scorns. He could be stern and soft making sure that work atmosphere is not bereft of humanity or too jovial to be mistaken as laissez faire. He is generous with laughter when it is evoked but could be too sober in addressing serious issues that you’d wonder if he would breakdown. That’s the human part.
President Tinubu is also very humane. As a person, he is generous and compassionate to those he could reach with his hands. He never forgot friends or families of dead associates and colleagues. He kept to that even with his current tedious job. His good heart makes him the last person to hurt. Instead, he ignores. The President certainly bears no evil intentions against anyone or a collective. The story of his large-heartedness is well told that it warrants no repeating here. He accepts prodigal sons back with forgiving smile.
An important lesson from his life is steadfastness and perseverance. They brought him to where he is. President Tinubu, like the proverbial person who has been there for long, has surely seen a lot. He had seen changing times: real and fake smiles, shifting alliances, broken loyalties, back-stabbing, gang-ups, yet he remained focused and patien. Like the Rock of Gibraltar he remains unshaken and unperturbed. But God works in mysterious ways. For example, some of the arrowheads of Tinubu’s estrangement from a government he helped form in 2015 are today out in the cold. But while he took the unfortunate happenings of that period with steely resolve and perseverance, they are took weak to persevere being out of the table. While he was mature and statemanly, they crying hoarse like a kid deprived of precious doll.
As a leader, the President amazes me with his resolve to take bold even if costly decisions. He embodies the principle that leadership is not about taking popular decisions but about taking right decisions even if painful and inconveniencing. Like a physician on duty, President Tinubu’s administration of some painful reforms were not contemptuos of the feeling of the people, as some analysts alluded. They were, rather, out of courage to take necessary actions to stop the hemorrhage of our country. The hemorrhage may favour those of us now but if not stopped it would certainly prove fatal for our future.
The President was conscious that those actions were not popular. In fact, he was not unconscious that they could be costly politically like it was seen happen in many countries. But the statesman that he is he chose the country over himself. AlhamdulilLah! Mr the President is being proved right with the emerging light from the economic tunnel.
On the occasion of Mr President’s birthday I pray pervently for better health and greater wisdom as he steers the ship of the nation to the shore of progress, stability and development.
Happy birthday, Sir.
Abdulaziz is a Senior Special Assistant to the President and member of the Presidential Communication Team.
By Yusha’u Hamza
For nearly 35 years, Surajo Mahe Alkali has dedicated his life to the advancement of the non-formal education sector in Kano state. His sojourn through the ranks of this important education sector, is nothing short of remarkable, capsuling the very essence of commitment, expertise and advocacy in the affairs of things. Kano, a pioneering state in mass education, has greatly benefited from his wealth of experience and full-hearted dedication. As he bids farewell to the sector, his absence will be profoundly felt.
Mahe’s career has been synonymous with his makeover. From his early days in the sector, he has been a driving force behind major reforms that have shaped the policies in recent times and era of non-formal education in the State.
His deep understanding of the non-formal education system in kano state, coupled with his relentless pursuit of progress, has positioned him as an invaluable asset. Not just an administrator but also an activist, he has championed the cause of non-formal education on multiple platforms, making sure that its significance is far heard, recognized and its rights defended.
Kano holds the distinction of being the first state in Nigeria to establish an agency for mass education, a feat that could not have been achieved without the contributions of visionaries like Surajo Mahe. His advocacy for increased investment, policy reforms and inclusivity in non-formal education has left an indelible mark. His role in the sector has not only encouraged countless individuals through literacy programs and vocational training but has also strengthened the overall educational framework in the state and even beyond.
However, his recent movement within the sector has left many concerned. With only a few months left before he officially retires, this sudden transition is seen as a significant loss, particularly at a time when his expertise is mostly and dearest needed. His departure is not just a shift in personnel; it marks the end of an era that has seen significant pursuit in non-formal education.
As Mahe prepares to step away, his legacy remains intact. His contributions will continue to inspire creativity in policymaking and reforms as well as a shift in stakeholder’s activism in the non-formal education sector. While his move is a sad development, his impact will undoubtedly endure a space for future reforms and advancements in the non-formal education sector. His advocacies and commitment will be dearly missed, not only by the sector but by the entire education community in Kano state and country by extension.
Hamza, is Director Planning, Research and Statistics at Kano State Ministry of Education.
By Imam Murtadha Gusau
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
All thanks and praise are due to Allah, from Whom we seek help and forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allah from the evils of ourselves and the evil consequences of our deeds. Whoever Allah guides will never be misled and whoever strays from Him will never find a guide. I bear witness that there is no god except Allah. Likewise, I bear witness that Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is the servant and the
Messenger of Allah.
Dear brothers and sisters! The month of Ramadan has arrived again, the month of fasting and prayer. It is the month that provides an opportunity for forgiveness from Allah and emancipation from our sins. It is the month for performing good deeds and giving in charity. It is the month when the gates of the heavens are opened and the rewards for our deeds are magnified many times over. It is the month wherein prayers are answered and the status of the worshipper is elevated. It is the month wherein sins are forgiven.
Allah bestows so many blessings upon his servants in the month of Ramadan. This is the month of fasting that is one of the five pillars of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) fasted during this month and directed his followers to do the same. He told us that whoever fasts this month with faith, seeking Allah’s reward, will have all of his past sins forgiven. He likewise informed us that whoever stands in prayer throughout this month will have all of his past sins forgiven.
The month of Ramadan contains within it a night that is superior to a thousand months. Whoever is denied the goodness of that night is indeed deprived.
We should welcome this month and embrace it with happiness and joy. We should have the truest resolve to observe the fasts and the prayers and to compete in doing righteous deeds. During this month, we should ardently repent for all of our sins and encourage each other to engage in virtuous deeds and call to what is right and forbid what is wrong. In this way, we will succeed in attaining the blessings and the great rewards of Ramadan.
The fast provides us with many benefits and is full of wisdom. It purifies and strengthens our hearts. It rids us of our baser tendencies like exuberance, arrogance, and stinginess. It reinforces our good traits like fortitude, clemency, and generosity. It supports us in our inner struggle to please Allah and attain nearness to Him.
Fasting teaches us about ourselves and our needs. It shows us how weak we are and how truly dependent we are upon our Lord. It shows us how much Allah has blessed us. We are reminded of our brethren those who are less fortunate and are inspired to treat them well. We are compelled to thank Allah and to use the blessings He has provided us in obedience to Him.
Allah the Almighty draws attention to these many benefits when he says:
“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it has been prescribed for those who were before you that you may learn self-restraint.” [Surah al-Baqarah: 183]
In this Qur’anic verse, Allah makes it clear that he prescribed fasting in order to purify us. Fasting is a means for us to learn self-restraint and cultivate our piety. Piety is to observe the commandments and prohibitions of Allah and His Messenger (Peace be upon him) sincerely out of our love and reverence for Allah, and to avoid His punishment and anger.
Fasting is a great act of piety in itself and a great means of increasing our piety in all aspects of our religious and worldly lives.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) pointed out one of the benefits of fasting when he said:
“O young people, whoever among you has the wherewithal to marry should do so, because it assists us in lowering our gazes and safeguarding our private parts. Whoever cannot do so should fast, because fasting diminishes sexual power.”
The reason that fasting has this effect is because Shaitan (Satan) flows like blood through our veins. Fasting constrains this flow while and acts as a reminder of Allah and His greatness, thereby reducing Satan’s influence over the fasting person while at the same time his faith strengthening. He naturally starts engaging in more acts of obedience and fewer acts of sin.
There are many other benefits of fasting that we can discover with a little thought and reflection. Fasting is good for bodily health. It gives the body a chance to purify itself of accumulated poisons, a fact which has been confirmed by numerous and famous medical doctors.
The sacred texts speak quite extensively about the virtues of fasting in the month of Ramadan and about it being a duty upon the believers. Allah the Almighty says:
“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it has been prescribed for those who were before you that you may learn self-restraint. Fasting for a fixed number of days. The month of Ramadan in which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and the criterion. So whoever witnesses the month should fast it. And whoever is sick or upon a journey should fast the same number of days (later on). Allah wishes ease for you and he does not wish hardship upon you. He wants that you should complete the period and that you should exalt Allah for that to which he has guided you that perhaps you may be thankful.” [Surah al-Baqarah: 183-185]
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“Islam is built upon five things (pillars): testifying that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing prayer, paying Zakah, fasting the month of Ramadan, and the pilgrimage to the House.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
When the angel Gabriel asked the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) about Islam, he replied:
“Islam is to bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to establish prayer, to pay charity, to fast the month of Ramadan, and to perform pilgrimage to the House if you are able to make the journey.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi]
Angel Jibril (Gabriel) then said:
“You have spoken the truth.” Then he said: “Tell me about faith.”
Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) replied:
“It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree, both the good and bad of it.”
He said:
“You have spoken the truth. Tell me about excellence in faith.”
Allah’s Messenger replied:
“It is to worship Allah as though you see Him, and though you do not see Him, you know that He sees you.”
He said:
“You have spoken the truth.” [Muslim]
Respected brothers and sisters! This Hadîth is of considerable importance and deserves serious thought and consideration.
Once Mu’az Bin Jabal said to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him):
“Tell me about some deed that will admit me into Paradise and distance me from the Hellfire.”
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) replied:
“You have asked about something great, yet it is very simple for one for whom Allah makes it easy. Worship Allah and do not associate anything with him in worship. Establish prayer, pay Zakah, fast the month of Ramadan, and undertake the pilgrimage to the House if you are able to do so.”
Then the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him added:
“Should I not inform you about the gates of goodness? Fasting is a shield. Charity extinguishes sins like water extinguishes fire.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi]
Dear servants of Allah! Fasting is a most virtuous act with a reward commensurate with its greatness. This is especially true in Ramadan, since Allah has made fasting therein an obligation upon the believers and a means of their attaining peace and salvation.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“Every deed of the human being is for himself and its reward is multiplied for him from ten to seven hundred times. Allah says: ‘Except for fasting, for truly it is for Me and I alone will reward it, for verily he abandoned his desires, his food, and his drink for my sake.’ The one who fasts experiences two joys, one upon breaking his fast and one when he meets his Lord. Surely the breath of the fasting person is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“When Ramadan commences, the gates of Paradise (Jannah) are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are bound in chains.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“On the first night of Ramadan, the devils and rebellious jinn are bound in chains, The gates of Paradise are opened until not a single gate remains closed. The gates of Hell are bound shut until not a single gate remains open. Then a caller calls out: ‘O desirer of good, go forth! O desirer of evil, restrain yourself! Allah is emancipating people from the Fire every night’.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi]
On the eve of Ramadan, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) gave a beautiful sermon and said:
“O people! A great and blessed month is coming upon you, a month containing a night better than a thousand months. Allah has made fasting in its days an obligation and observing prayer in its nights a voluntary act. Anyone who seeks nearness to Allah in this month through any virtuous act will be like one who carried out a religious obligation at another time, and anyone who performs an obligatory act of worship in this month will be like one who performed seventy such acts at another time. It is the month of patience, and the reward for patience is Paradise.” [Sahih Ibn Khuzaimah]
Dear brothers and sisters! We must seize the opportunity presented to us in this blessed month and appreciate the greatness of this time by engaging in all the worship that we can. We must hasten to perform good deeds. Allah has made this month a time for worship and for competing with one another in righteousness and goodness. We must increase our prayer and our spending in charity. We must busy ourselves with reading the Qur’an. We must hasten to help the poor, the needy, and the orphans. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was the most generous of all people and he was even more generous in Ramadan. We must follow the good example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) by redoubling our efforts in this blessed month.
We need to safeguard the blessings of our fasts from our sins and our shortcomings. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever does not leave off false speech and false conduct, Allah has no need of his leaving off food and drink.” [Bukhari]
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“When any one of you is observing the fast for the day, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor raise his voice. If someone insults him or quarrels with him, he should say: ‘I am fasting’.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
Respected brothers and sisters! Wallahi, we must beseech Allah for forgiveness in this great month and do all that we can to take advantage of this precious time. We must avoid committing any offence against the fast that will diminish its blessings and invoke Allah’s anger. Therefore, we must not be negligent of our prayers or stingy with our zakah, sadaqah and charity. We must not consume interest or the property of the orphans. We must not steal, oppress anyone, or disrespect our parents. We must not spurn our kinfolk. We must avoid backbiting, slander, lies, and falsehood. We must eschew false oaths and claims. We must not shave or trim our beards or leave our moustaches to grow. We must not listen to song and musical instruments. Women must not make a wanton display of themselves and men should not mix with them. These sins are forbidden throughout the year, but in Ramadan they are even more forbidden and more sinful.
We must fear Allah and avoid what Allah and His Messenger (Peace be upon him) have prohibited us. We must be upright in our obedience in Ramadan and throughout the rest of the year. We should call one another to this and by doing so attain the success and salvation that this blessed and great month promises us.
Dear brothers and sisters! As usual, please, we are soliciting to you, to assit us, help us, give us your Zakah, your sadaqah, your charity and your donations during this 1446/2025 Ramadan.
Indeed, in our great country, Nigeria, in African countries and around the world, orphans and children are facing hunger, poverty, fear and the loss of healthcare and education due to the insecurity, conflict and the climate crisis. In our Islamic center, our teams are working tirelessly to provide the resources orphans and children need to overcome war, famine and other crises – helping them build brighter, more hopeful futures.
This Ramadan, as we come together to celebrate the blessed and great Month, it is important to reflect on those in need. During Ramadan, and all year long, by donating what you can afford, you can help give hope to our orphans, our boys and girls in our Islamic schools. Your Zakah, Sadaqah, charity and donations can make a difference in the lives of children and their families, especially in this Ramadan.
Please, donate to help our orphans, children and the needy. Donate to help our Islamic schools. Donate to help our Da’awah activities, FISABILILLAH!
Our this year’s (1446/2025) Ramadan target is:
Ten million naira (₦10,000,000) In Shaa Allah.
And all those who intend to donate food items, clothes etc, our doors are always open In Shaa Allah.
The following are our bank details:
Account number: 1779691620
Account name: Murtala Muhammed
Access Bank.
Or:
Account number: 0048647196
Account name: Murtala Muhammed
GTBank
For more information call the following contacts:
08038289761, 08056557477, 09158822160, 09019183949.
We’re looking forward to your Zakah, your Sadaqah, your charity and your donations In Shaa Allah.
Jazakumullah Khairan as you kindly assit for Allah’s sake.
Lastly, I ask Allah the Almighty to reform all our affairs, to provide us with strong will to change our situation for the better and to provide the entire Ummah with glory, strength and unity. I ask Him also to accept our deeds, prayers, and supplications.
I also pray, may the Almighty Allah remove all our tears, all our worries, all our sorrows and all our pains and replace them with complete happiness, complete smiles and complete good health, ameen Ya Mujib!
All perfect praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and upon his family, his Companions and his true followers.
Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of: Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque; and Late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene Mosque, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com; or +2348038289761.
This Friday sermon (Jumu’ah Khutbah) was prepared for delivery today Friday, Sha’aban 15, 1446 AH (February 14, 2025).
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