Renowned Nigerian Islamic scholar Dahiru Usman-Bauchi has passed away at the reported age of 100, leaving behind a legacy of religious leadership and scholarship.
A student of the cleric in Bauchi confirmed his death to Radio France International (RFI) on Wednesday.
Usman-Bauchi was the spiritual head of the Tijaniyyah Sufi order in Nigeria and was known for his deep knowledge of the Qur’an and Islamic jurisprudence. His leadership often involved engagements with other Islamic sects across the country.
Born in Nafada, Gombe State, he began studying Islam under his father before traveling widely to learn from other scholars and deepen his understanding of the Tijaniyyah Tariqah.
He was a prolific author, with works on Sufism, jurisprudence, and Islamic teachings widely available in Nigeria and in countries such as Morocco and Senegal, where Sufism has a strong presence.
Usman-Bauchi founded and served as life president of the Ithad Ansarul Faelat Tijaniyat of Nigeria and was a member of the Fatwa Committee of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
He is survived by four wives, 95 children, and 406 grandchildren.
