By Musa Tanimu Nasidi
Ohimegye Igu of koton karfe and Chairman of Kogi/Lokoja Local Government traditional council, HRM. Saidu Akawu Salihu,HRH. Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi 1V, chairman of Jama’atul -Nasir Islam, Ambassador Usman Bello,Khadis of Shari’ah Court and islamic Clerics across the state on Saturday were among the dignitaries that attended the 30th remembrance service for the repose of Sheikh Ibrahim Yabagi.
The prayers which was presided by the chief Imam of Lokoja, sheikh Muhammad Aminu Sha’aban took place at cantonment’s residence of the deceased.
In his sermon,Imam Sha’aban implored Muslim ummah to emulate Sheikh Yabagi who said make life meaningful to the downtrodden throughout his life.
A lecture on the life of the sage and islamic scholar was delivered by Justice Bello Muhammad Bello.
Khadi Bello described sheikh Yabagi as a Saint who had passion for progress of his people, community and educational wellbeing of orphans.
He advised advised Muslim ummah to emulate the virtues and sterling qualities of sheikh to ensure peaceful co-existence and growth of Lokoja.
He noted that late Yabagi contributed immensely to the giant stride and progress recorded in the community, especially the establishment of Ansarudeen primary school in the early 60s, calling on the Children not to allow his lofty dreams to die.
Sheikh Ibrahim Yabagi; An Icon, the Fountain of Sufi Movement in Lokoja, Kogi state and beyond
Sheikh Ibrahim Yabagi (may ALLAH be pleased with him) was the perfect waliyy who has been attained knowledge (Maarifa), the great Sheikh endowed with the elevated status (Maqaam), the gatherer of knowledge and secrets, at the highest summit of superior degrees, sun of joy that illuminated the horizon of superior degrees.
He was among those who had attained perfect knowledge and sainthood. He adhered strictly to the Shariah and engaged in a lot of Voluntary acts of worship and he especially sent alot of praises to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Late Sheikh Ibrahim Yabagi was born (1898) in Bida and grew up in Bagana, Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State with his father, the then Chief Imam of Bagana; the late Sheikh Umar Ibrahim of blessed memory who later gave his promising son, Sheikh Ibrahim Yabagi the permission to migrate to Lokoja around 1935 for the propagation of Islam noticing the vibrant youth with potentials.
EARLY EDUCATION
Sheikh Ibrahim Yabagi as fondly called is a consummate Scholar and a spiritual guide, an embodiment of estoric mysticism, an ascetic and a pious man. He received a call from Complete training in the traditional Islamic Sciences; the Qur’an and it’s exegesis (Tafsir), prophetic traditions (Hadith) jurisprudence and Sufism (Tasawuf) under the tutelage of his father and Spiritual guide Sheikh Umar Ibrahim.
MARITAL LIFE
Sheikh Ibrahim Yabagi was married to four (4) wives and blessed with several Children, grand Children.
Notable among his children are:
Late Khalifa Muhammad Naibi of glorious memory.
Col. Sheikh Isah Arif Ibrahim Yabagi (RTD) who is now his Grand Khalifah.
Sheikh Abdulwaheed Yabagi (Chairman Kogi State Zikri Association of Nigeria)
Alhaji Alfa GIMBA Yabagi (The Principal, Al-Ansar Secondary School, Lokoja and MSSN Coordinator Lokoja-Koto
ACHIEVEMENTS
His contribution to Islamic Education and jurisprudence, but not limited to these:-
Establishment of Qur’anic Schools
Establishment of Ansarul Islam Nursery /Primary School.
Establishment of Al-Ansar Secondary School, Lokoja.
Establishment of Madrasatul Tahfeez Qur’an
Building of mosques in Lokoja and Bagana. Educating large number of people in Islamic Education and jurisprudence
Propagation of Tariqatul -Tijaniya in all aspects of Human Endeavor.
In this regard, he had several followers (Mureeds and Mukadams) in several places across Nigeria and beyond.
Sheikh Yabagi devoted his entire lifetime to the teaching and propagation of Islam and a strong adherent of Tariqatul Tijaniya.
HIS ASSOCIATES IN EXPANDING ISLAM AND TARIQAH IN KOGI STATE AND NIGERIA AT LARGE ARE:
SHEIKH SHUAIB KENCHI
SHEIKH ALIYU CISSE
SHEIKH HADI MURTANIA
SHEIKH GIBIRIMA (ZULMA-ARIF)
SHEIKH ABDULMALIK OKENE
SHEIKH YUSUF ABDULLAHI
SHEIKH HASSAN DEM
SHEIKH ABDULLAHI DAN LELE
SHEIKH ABDULKADIR ZARIAH
SHEIKH ATIKU KANO
SHEIKH KHALILU DANDUME
SHEIKH ADAM DAMAGARE
SHEIKH JAMIU BULALA
SHEIKH AHMAD RUFAI OKENE
SHARIF ZANGINA
(Radiallahu anhum ajmaeen)
AMONG OTHERS
AMONG HIS PROMINENT STUDENTS ARE:
Sheikh Musa Bako
Sheikh Abdullahi Babadoko
Sheikh Muhammad Naiby Yabagi
Sheikh Ibrahim S Kenchi (Khalifa)
Sheikh Isah Arrif Yabagi
Sheikh Isah Dare (Mai Anfani)
Sheikh Adam Idris Kabawa
Sheikh Alh. Idris Aleru
Sheikh Alhassan Shiru (Azakiru)
THE COUNTRIES HE VISITED FOR RELIGIOUS PURPOSE INCLUDE:
Saudi Arabia (makka and Madina ) for Hajj Several occasions
Egypt, Cairo
Morocco, Fas
Senegal, Kaulakh etc
He has received several Awards and Honors during and after his demise. He was famous for his generosity; he would give his last to the needy. An outstanding Virtue he was blessed with among his peers.
Sadly, this humble but Noble Sheik Ibrahim Yabagi Baitulah passed away on August 5th, 1994 after a brief illness. His final resting place is beside his Mosque in Cantonment Lokoja.
JazakaAllah Janatul-firdaus Ya Sheikh!!!!!
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