*INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHI RAJI’UN
The death earlier this morning, of the revered Sheikh Tahir Usman Bauchi, no doubt has come to all of us as a monumental shock and blow, but as Muslims and people of faith, we, unquestioningly submit to the Will of Allah (SWT).
In fact one is at a loss as to how to react to the death of the like of Sheikh Tahir Bauchi. Given that death is a necessary end that comes at appointed time; and given that Sheikh Tahir Bauchi lived a long and very productive life, doing nothing but the work of Allah, I believe we can only grieve over the pain of separation, not anything else. We should summon the courage to celebrate a life of fulfilment in striving to follow and lead in the way of Allah (SWT).
His leadership of the Tijjaniyyah order, his exegesis of the Holy Quran which he did annually in Kaduna from 1980 until very recently, establishment, and funding of hundreds of Quranic schools across the country, engagements in several forms of Islamic scholarship as well as being a moderating voice in the quest for peaceful coexistence and unity among the diverse people of Nigeria, make the late Sheik transcend being just a man of his family but an institution and a spiritual guide who has inspired millions of people in the path of Allah. An eloquent preacher per excellence, Sheikh’s vast knowledge of the Quran and its exegesis as well as mastery of other disciplines in Islamic theology and scholarship were not only universal but also legendary and phenomenal.
I remember with nostalgia my interactions with the late Sheikh, which lasted till the very end but more particularly in my time as Governor of Kaduna State between 1999 and 2007, his private admonitions and wise counsel helped in no small measure to enable us navigate the difficult terrain. For this I’ll remain eternally grateful.
On behalf of my family, I convey heartfelt condolences to his family (both biological and spiritual), Bauchi State Government, Federal Government, the Nigerian Muslim community, all Nigerians and indeed entire humanity. May Allah grant the soul of Sheikh Tahir Bauchi eternal rest in Aljannah. May He also grant all of us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
*Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, CON, FCNA
