On Monday, a vast number of mourners gathered in Zaria, Kaduna State, to pay their respects at the funeral of the esteemed Islamic scholar, Sheikh Khalifa Usman Idris, widely known as Rigi-Rigi.
Sheikh Rigi-Rigi passed away on February 1, 2026, at the age of 57 after battling a prolonged illness.
According to his son-in-law, Malama Abubakar Danyaro, the eminent cleric took his last breath on Sunday night at a private hospital in Kaduna.
The funeral prayer took place at his residence in Kusfa, Zaria City, on Monday evening, drawing notable Islamic scholars, community leaders, and numerous admirers from all over the region.
The late scholar is survived by four wives, 37 children, and several grandchildren.
Sheikh Rigi-Rigi was celebrated for his lively and humorous preaching style, with recordings of his sermons circulating widely on social media platforms.
He was well-versed in various Islamic disciplines including Furu’a (jurisprudential branches) and Usul (fundamentals of religion). His teachings often highlighted the virtues of saints and the companions of Sheikh Ibrahim Inyass. Additionally, he had a talent for simplifying complex religious concepts, making them more relatable and understandable.
His unique blend of humor and insight endeared him to a large following, particularly among youth and grassroots Islamic communities.
Sheikh Rigi-Rigi also enjoyed considerable popularity on TikTok and other social media outlets beyond traditional religious settings.
His many admirers affectionately referred to him by various nicknames such as “Rigirigi,” “Rugum,” and “Attalili Attaghazuti,” reflecting his boldness and direct method of conveying truthful messages.
Among his legacies are the encouragement of Islamic education, Da’awah, and the dissemination of Islamic teachings, coupled with community support and guidance.
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!