Undoubtedly, the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi nourished the minds of millions of Muslims in Nigeria with the water of knowledge knowledge that quenched their thirst for a deeper understanding of the Holy Qur’an through his annual Ramadan Tafsir.
His brilliance and sharp intellect in the memorisation and interpretation of the Qur’an set him apart. It is rare to find a scholar with such mastery one who could dissect, analyse, and interpret the Qur’an without relying on any written notes. His intellectual capacity must be rated very highly, without any iota of doubt.
In the marketplace of ideas, his works should have generated extensive discussion among scholars and academics, particularly in the fields of Tafsir and Islamic theology. His contributions to the understanding and interpretation of the Qur’an cannot be dismissed or overlooked.
Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi can be described as an Iroko tree in the field of Islamic knowledge exceptional in Tafsir, Hadith, and Fiqh.
Born in 1927, his early childhood was marked by a dedicated search for Qur’anic knowledge. This thirst for deeper understanding gave him a head start over his peers. As an Islamic scholar, his staunch defence of the Tijjaniyya movement earned him a unique opportunity to propagate the principles of Sufism. His contributions to the growth and success of the Tijjaniyya movement are unparalleled.
He established schools in various parts of the country aimed at educating young people in both Islamic and Western knowledge, thereby fighting ignorance and promoting enlightenment. Additionally, he provided housing for numerous individuals, giving shelter and hope to many.
His efforts in uniting the Muslim Ummah cannot be overstated. Although he was deeply committed to the path of Sufism through the Tijjaniyya movement, he never lost sight of the right of individuals to practice their faith based on the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). The Tijjaniyya movement does not challenge, alter, or modify any of the five pillars of Islam, nor does it introduce anything into the six articles of faith. Rather, Sufism strengthens devotion by emphasising regular dhikr, istighfar, and salat al-nabiyy, all acts encouraged by Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) in the Holy Qur’an.
The Tijjaniyya path, founded by Sheikh Ahmad al-Tijani, is not compulsory like the pillars of Islam but a voluntary spiritual discipline adopted by individuals seeking closeness to Allah, purifying their hearts, souls, and minds from the traps and temptations of Shaytan. His students adopted these practices, which gradually spread among other Muslims just as the Qadiriyya movement founded by Sidi Abdul Qadir al-Jilani did.
Indeed, the passing of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi is a great loss to the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and beyond. His annual Ramadan Tafsir will be greatly missed, but his teachings and the knowledge he imparted will continue to reverberate for generations to come.
May the soul of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi rest in perfect peace. May Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) reward his good deeds abundantly and forgive his shortcomings. The passing of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi marks the end of an era a profound loss to the entire Muslim community, his family, and Nigeria as a whole.
May the gentle and noble souls of the two indomitable lions sources of inspiration and guidance on the true path Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi and Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, continue to rest in perfect peace. May Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) grant them Jannatul Firdaus without reckoning. Ameen, thumma ameen.
Mahmud Shuaibu Ringim
mahmudshuaibu44@gmail.com
