Sixth Annual Shehu Abdullahi Bin Fodio (RA)’s Memorial Lecture Held in Birnin Kebbi

By Muhammad Isa Ahmad
This year’s annual Shehu Abdullahi bin Fodio (TR)’s  Maulid organized by the Resource Forum of the Islamic Movement Birnin Kebbi branch was held for two days from  Saturday the March 11th, to Sunday, the March 12th,  2017 in Birnin Kebbi with two special invited guests- Shaikh Kasim Umar Sakkwato and Prof Abdullahi Danladi. 

 Lectures on the life and struggle of Shehu Abdullahi Fodio (TR) were presented.
Shaikh Kasim delivered his lecture on Saturday night and Prof Abdullahi on the 2nd day programme touching various aspects of the legendary life worthy of emulation of Shehu Abdullahi Fodio (TR) who was born in this very month of Jimadal Thani.
In his lecture Shaikh Kasim reviewed and expressed how Shehu Abdullahi Fodio (TR)- a dedicated student of Shehu Usmanu Bin Fodio (TR), had devoted himself in the struggle in Islamic revivalism in the 19thCentuary in west African sub region which cut acrossed the whole region.

His role in writing various books which many have been stolen by the colonial masters can never be overemphasized, expressed Shaikh Kasim citing many references amongst which is the notetable “ Tanzilul Waraq”.

Shehu Abdullahi dedication, steadfastness and commitment can never be overemphasized with various examples illustrated by Shaikh Kasim like resistance to oppression and tyranny of those at the helm of affairs within cities in notably North western Nigeria.
Shehu Abdullahi Fodio (TR) has written in his book Tanzilul waraq the attributes of a leader worthy of allegiance . A leader who remains fearful of Allah (T), abide, emulate and remain steadfast on the path of the Almighty (T), expressed Shaikh Kasim.

Who then is your leader?
Prof Abdullahi Danladi also in his speech at the concluding maulid programme i.e Sunday March 12th March, 2017, illustrated how the leading life of Shehu Abdullahi Fodio (TR) has motivated many toward spiritual development and on getting closer ot Allah through acts of worship.

Both speakers also explained what the path of Islam is- the noble path of our Prophet (SAWA), his pious Progeny (AS) as emulated by Shehu Usmanu and Shehu Abdullahi Dan Fodio (TR).

The speakers also explained the similar struggle of the leader of Islamic movement in Nigeria Shaikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H) who today has been illegally detained by the ruling government despite the fact that a federal court has ruled out his detention as  illegal and should be paid compensation.
Moreso the speakers drew the attention of humanity specifically Muslims on the history of Shehu Usmanu Bin Fodio (TR) and  his dedicated followers among them was Shehu Abdullahi (TR) who dedicated their life in reviving Islam in the 19th century. He lamented that  many claimed to be descendants of Shehu Danfodio and his followers
but are antagonistic towards Islamic revival, not only that they oppress those following the noble path of Islam.
Wouldn’t be shameful and a call for concern to claim following Sheikh Bn Fodio while not  amongst those that follow his path or those that call to be on his path?, prof lamented.  

In attendance were people from different cities in Nigeria with Mal Umar Gwandu and Mal Sani Hakimi Jega giving open prayers, Prof Abdullahi Danladi and Shaikh Kasim Umar with closing prayers at the sessions in the maulud.

Mal Bello Saidu Talatan Mafara and members of Ittihadul shu’arah beautified the programme with various captivating poems and songs in praise of the  Noble Prophet (S), his Pure Progeny (AS), Shehu Usmanu, Shehu Abdullahi and the illegally detained leader of the Islamic movement in Nigeria Shaikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H).
Closing remarks and the sessions were also made by Mal Umar Birnin Kebbi the representative of IMN in Birnin Kebbi and the head of Resource forum of IMN Birnin Kebbi.
There was a visit to the grave yard of Shehu Abdullahi bin Fodio (TR) in Gwandu and special prayers by the graveside.