Exploring the Legacy: A Review of Professor Rijiyar Lemo’s Memoir on His Experiences with Sheikh Ja’afar

Originally crafted in Arabic in 2012 and later translated into English by Muhammad Qaddam, Professor Sani Umar Rijiyar Lemo’s memoir titled My Shared Lifetime With Timeless Preacher and Exegete of the Revelation: Sheikh Ja’afar Mahmud Adam presents a detailed portrait of his lasting friendship and scholarly friendship with the late Sheikh Ja’afar Mahmud Adam (may Allah have mercy on him). The book serves as a historical document, a personal reflection, and a treasure trove of lessons for modern academics. Through vivid memories and thoughtfully constructed anecdotes, it narrates the lives of two esteemed Nigerian Islamic scholars and the intellectual dynamics that defined their time.

A Lasting Academic Cooperation

The deep bond between the author and Sheikh Ja’afar forms the core of the narrative, rooted in a mutual appreciation for knowledge, sincerity, and mutual encouragement. Their journey began as young preachers in the 1980s and further developed during their tenure at the Islamic University of Madinah, where they cultivated a long-lasting friendship based on intellectual exploration and a unified vision for enhancing religious education in Nigeria.

Depicting a Scholar

Professor Sani’s narrative characterizes Sheikh Ja’afar, whom he referred to as Abu Salim, as embodying courage, dignity, conscientiousness, and principled tolerance. His willingness to embrace constructive criticism and his kindness toward both supporters and those who criticized him reflect his profound commitment to his faith and community. The portrayal is balanced, avoiding idolization in favor of personal insights on a scholar dedicated to both his religion and society.

Commitment to Knowledge

From a young age, Sheikh Ja’afar exhibited an exceptional dedication to the pursuit of knowledge. His journey took him from studying the Qur’an in Kano and Hadeja to advanced education in Madinah, Sokoto, and Sudan. He possessed remarkable memorization capabilities—deemed unparalleled by Professor Sani—coupled with a deep love for the Arabic language, poetry, and literature. His successes in both national and international Qur’an contests, as well as his adept interpretations, highlighted his mastery of tajwid and classical Arabic.

Moments in Madinah

One of the memoir’s most striking chapters describes the inception of a private study group established by Sheikh Ja’afar, Professor Sani, and Dr. Ibrahim Jalo in Madinah. This group, aimed at intellectual enrichment rather than preparatory studies, became a central meeting point for Nigerian students, fostering a culture of scholarly discipline and an effective platform for guiding da‘wah in response to ongoing developments in Nigeria.

Engaging with Reform

Despite qualifying for postgraduate studies in Madinah, waiting for master’s or PhD programs in his discipline (‘Ulūm al-Qur’ān) proved challenging. After returning to Nigeria, Sheikh Ja’afar enrolled at Bayero University Kano (BUK), where he encountered bias due to differing doctrinal beliefs. He subsequently pursued his master's degree in Sudan and started a PhD at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, before his untimely passing. His approach to preaching in Nigeria transformed the Sunnah movement from random street sermons to organized education, often collaborating with Professor Sani. The pair worked to moderate doctrinal extremism within the Izala group, promoting steadfast local education over incessant travel, while also steering clear of overt political involvement.

Character Insights

The memoir includes personal anecdotes that bring Sheikh Ja’afar to life, such as a memorable encounter with Road Safety officials. While lecturing at Al- Qalam University in Katsina, the brothers traveled there weekly. During one trip, Sheikh Ja’afar, who was driving, had a spirited argument with the officers, maintaining that he had committed no infraction, leading to a lengthy standoff that ultimately concluded with the officers shocked when they discovered his identity.

Debates Among Scholars

In the 1980s, a vigorous intellectual debate unfolded in northern Nigeria among three predominant Islamic leaders – Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, Sheikh Nasiru Kabara, and Sheikh Sani Kafinga (may Allah have mercy on them). Sheikh Gumi published a work addressing Sheikh Ahmad al-Tijānī and facets of the Sufi order, prompting critical responses from Sheikhs Kabara and Kafinga. During his secondary schooling, Dr. Sani participated in these theological discussions, delivering a thoughtful rebuttal in the form of At-Ta‘ālīqāt al- Mufīda ‘ala al-Aqidatus-Sahīha bi Muwāfaqatish-Sharī‘a. His balanced defense of Ahmad al-Tijānī against Gumi's assertions, alongside support for Gumi’s viewpoints against Kabara and Kafinga, displayed remarkable intellectual bravery fueled by adherence to scholarly integrity. Sheikh Gumi graciously welcomed Dr. Sani's contributions, acknowledging shared convictions and offering personal prayers for the emerging thinker’s future.

Navigating Internal Divisions

The narrative candidly addresses the internal disputes within the Izala movement during the 1980s and 1990s, emphasizing Sheikh Ja’afar and his circle's steadfast dedication to prioritizing education over factional disputes. It also recounts their conscious distancing from party politics, despite politicians' attempts to leverage their popularity.

Guidance for Modern Scholars

Beyond the autobiographical scope, the memoir provides enduring principles: an unwavering quest for knowledge, commitment to teaching, aversion to politicization, and the importance of thoughtful, written scholarship as essential for preserving and passing on learning. In a time characterized by performative religiosity on social media, Professor Rijiyar Lemo’s focus on calm and meaningful discourse harkens back to the lasting impact of previous generations of scholars.