Sheikh Bauchi Is Gone, But What of Our Respect for Knowledge and Tolerance?

By: Usman Abdulkadir Taleeki 

It is very rare for me to dedicate an entire column to the life and legacy of a single individual. In fact, I have done so only once before. Today marks only the second occasion I have chosen to devote an entire piece to one person. The first instance was last month in my column titled “Notes From the Capital; My Gratitude to Malami.” This week, I have decided to do so again, not merely because the subject of this column was a man of exceptional stature, but also because his passing has illuminated several truths about our society and offered lessons that are worthy of reflection and careful consideration. The death of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi is not just a loss to his immediate community or to Nigeria; it is a significant moment in the religious and intellectual history of our time.

The Holy Quran reminds us repeatedly, in Surah Aal Imran 3:185, Surah Al Anbiya 21:35, and Surah Al Ankabut 29:57, that every soul shall taste death. This is a universal truth, immutable and final. No matter the station of life, the wealth one possesses, or the knowledge one commands, death is the ultimate equalizer. On the early morning of the 27th of this month, the world received the solemn news that Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi had returned to his Lord. He lived a long and remarkable life, reaching the age of approximately 98 years, most of which he devoted to the teaching of the Holy Quran and to practicing and spreading the Sufi path of Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani, the Tijjaniyya order. Over the decades, he became not only a leader of his sect in Nigeria but a beacon of guidance and scholarship for Muslims across the African continent and beyond. His life exemplified dedication to knowledge, devotion to faith, and a commitment to the spiritual upliftment of humanity. Now, he has departed from this world.

This column is not written to recount the details of his passing, nor to narrate every event surrounding his funeral. Rather, it is intended to highlight key lessons that can be drawn from both his life and the circumstances surrounding his death. These lessons are not abstract; they are practical reflections that speak to our values, our priorities, and the way we live our lives.

The first lesson is the importance of celebrating knowledge and scholarship as a lasting legacy. Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi was, without doubt, a giant in the field of Islamic scholarship, not only within Nigeria but across the African continent. His life was a testament to the transformative power of learning and spiritual guidance. Beyond his intellectual and religious achievements, he was also a remarkable family man. Reports indicate that he fathered more than seventy children, and impressively, over ninety percent of them are individuals who have memorized the entire Holy Quran. Furthermore, he left behind more than two hundred grandchildren, with a significant portion also being Hafeez of the Quran. These children and grandchildren have continued his work by engaging in the service of the Quran in different capacities and fields. Such a legacy cannot be measured in wealth, titles, or political influence; it is measured in the enduring impact on lives, faith, and knowledge. For parents, educators, and guardians, this is a powerful reminder of the role of guidance, discipline, and devotion in shaping the next generation. Sheikh Bauchi’s life demonstrates that the most enduring contribution a person can make is not material but intellectual, spiritual, and moral.

The second lesson centers on the significance of dedication and sincerity in pursuing a cause. To commit oneself fully to a path of service is to secure a legacy that outlives one’s physical existence. Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi exemplified this principle. His passing on the 27th of this month was followed by a deliberate and carefully arranged funeral process, which underscores his meticulous planning and his unwavering commitment to his principles. The burial did not take place immediately because of the wasiyya the (Will) he left behind. In particular, he requested that the Mufti of Nigeria, Sheikh Sheriff Ibrahim Saleh Al Hussain, should lead his funeral prayer. At the time of his passing, the Mufti was not in Bauchi, and arrangements had to be made for his travel. The burial was therefore postponed to the 28th.

The scale of attendance at his funeral was unprecedented. On that Friday, millions of people from across Nigeria and the global diaspora gathered to offer prayers and pay their respects. This was perhaps the highest-attended funeral prayer in Nigeria’s history, a testament to the profound impact of knowledge and spiritual service. Even in the absence of political power or material wealth, a life dedicated to knowledge and righteousness draws respect and reverence. Sheikh Bauchi’s death served as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of knowledge, the propagation of faith, and selfless service are paths that yield enduring honor and remembrance.

The third lesson concerns the reactions to his death, which reveal much about human nature and the state of society. While countless messages of condolence and praise poured in from all directions, there were also those who chose to mock or belittle him. Some individuals, claiming to be Muslims and scholars, criticized him after his passing, questioning the validity of prayers for his forgiveness or even labeling his actions as contrary to their own sectarian views. They judged him harshly simply because he did not adhere to their specific interpretation of Islam. Such reactions, though limited in number, are loud and disconcerting. They serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of sectarianism, intolerance, and blind hatred. If individuals can speak this way about a deceased scholar whose life was devoted to teaching the Quran and guiding others, it is sobering to consider how they might treat those who do not share their religion, faith, or beliefs. This aspect of the events surrounding Sheikh Bauchi’s passing is a lesson in humility, tolerance, and the necessity of safeguarding compassion and respect in our communities.

In conclusion, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi is gone from this world, but his legacy remains. He has left us with two major lessons to emulate and one critical mindset to correct. We must emulate his lifelong dedication to knowledge and his unwavering commitment to the path he believed to be righteous. We must also confront and correct the mindset that breeds hatred, division, and intolerance among Muslims and, by extension, among humanity as a whole.

May Allah forgive Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, grant him mercy, and reward him with the highest place in Jannah. May we learn from his life, reflect on his teachings, and strive to leave legacies as impactful and enduring as his.