AFRICAN SCHOLARS AND SAINTS: THEIR LIVES AND TIMES: February 2018

SHAYKH UMAR SANDA IDRIS (1929-2004)

{The Original Figure in the Intellectual Northern Nigerian Landscape of his Time}

By: Prof. Andrea Brigaglia (Muqadam Nasrudeen)

Shaykh Umar Sanda Idris, Kaduna-based scholar of the Tijaniyya. Umar Sanda was born in the heart of Zaria city in a scholarly family close to the Fulani establishment of the Zaria Emirate. The grandfather of Umar Sanda had served as waziri (main juridical-religious figure under the authority of the Emir) of the Zaria Emirate as Waziri Yusuf. The present waziri (Waziri ‘Abd ar-Rahman) is himself a cousin of the late Shaykh Sanda.

Shaykh Umar Sanda Idris had a markedly reserved temperament and, notwithstanding the official role of his family, always maintained an aloofness from public affairs. After having quickly completed the traditional religious curricula under the tutorage of his father and other prestigious local malams (mainly affiliated to the Tijaniyya), Umaru Sanda avidly pursued modern education in his youth. He became a teacher at elementary schools, and, in 1948, entered the Kano School for Arabic Studies (SAS) together with Gumi (then in his late twenties) and a number of future leaders of independent Nigeria.

In 1949, on account of his brilliant results the school’s director appointed him a part-time teacher. From 1949 to 1952, he was thus at the same time a teacher and a colleague to Gumi. Since youth, he had combined a strong personal commitment to asceticism with a passionate study of metaphysical Sufism (Ibn Arabi being one of his favourite sources) and with an interest for modern scientific disciplines (astronomy, physics, mathematics), mainly cultivated independently by collecting European books and reviews. This combination would make of Shaykh Umaru Sanda a particularly original figure in the intellectual Northern Nigerian landscape of his time.

Shaykh Umar Sanda’s intellectual prowess was the fruit of a mixed, traditional and modern education.

Umar Sanda had also acquired some experience with the media, by contributing extensively, already from 1967, to newspapers such as Gaskiya ta fi Kwabo. He was one of the most renowned and appreciated modern educated malams.

Amongst his main doctrinal filiations featured a deep commitment to the doctrines of Muhyi ad-Din Ibn ‘Arabi (d. 1240), one of the classical Sufi authors Gumi would have condemned in the most resolute way, and to his most comprehensive work, al-Futuuhat al-Makkiyya.

Shaykh Umar Sanda was invited to perform the tafsir at Radio Kaduna for the first time during the last days of the month of Ramadan 1977. Notwithstanding the limited number of his performances actually transmitted by radio, Umar Sanda left his trace in the history of Nigerian contemporary tafsir. His exegesis was characterized by a marked esoteric imprint, and by the astronomic and biological digressions which enriched it, and which seem to have been particularly appreciated by the listeners.

A rough list, based on my listening of the dozen of tapes he dedicated to the tafsir of the Fatiha, would include at least 27 classical works ranging from tafsir to hadith, and from hagiology to metaphysics. Sanda’s tafsir was known first and foremost for its unusual duration and complexity.

Umar Sanda was intellectually distinguished but extremely simple and humble by exterior look and manners.

Umar Sanda and Tahir Bauchi’s scholarly formation had taken place within the Fayda Tijaniyya network which had formed between the 1940s and the 1950s, and included (Tijani Uthman, Shehu Mai Hula, Abu Bakr Atiq, Umar Falke and Sani Kafanga. This group of religious scholars was characterized by a common affiliation to the Tijaniyya Sufi Tariqa, a dynamic understanding of Maliki jurisprudence (fiqh), and the common acceptance of the overall spiritual leadership of the Senegalese Shaykh Ibrahim Nyass.

The Fayda Tijaniyya network was especially active in Kano, and public Ramadan tafsir was central in shaping its common scholarly identity. For the Fayda Tijaniyya malams (scholars), tafsir was the conceptual and pedagogical space where the different disciplines of the traditional curriculum (grammar, law, theology, mysticism) were merged into a new synthesis, allowing a more dynamic understanding of Maliki legal practices and a renewed emphasis on Sufism.

Abu Bakr Gumi, Umar Sanda and Tahir Bauchi were all at some point of their careers linked, in one way or the other, to one of two competing movements/associations (Jamat Izalat al-bid‘a the first, and Fityan al-Islam the second and the third), both engaged, with different agendas, in the promotion of a religious change which would accompany the Northern Nigerian modernization process.

Fityan al-Islam had been established in 1963 by the Fayda Tijani malams. Through it, they tried to rally a younger generation of scholars and teachers in coordination with the old malamic class, to mediate the complex transition which was taking place towards a modern educational system.

When, in 1976, the Obasanjo Government launched the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program, Fityan systematically engaged in the opening and the promotion of Islamiyya schools, the modern schools which integrated modern (tatsari, ‘systemic’) education with religious subjects. In the summer of 1976, which preceded the first educational year under the UPE, hundreds of primary Islamiyya schools were opened in all the Northern States, more often under the initiative of Fityan local branches, than under the initiative of the Jama‘at Nasr al-Islam (JNI), the ‘official’ organization representative of Muslim interests. Fityan schools were often run by senior pupils of leading tariqa malams. They represented an attempt towards promoting a ‘soft’ change in educational standards. They encouraged a change in the location (from the malams’ vestibules to apposite buildings) and techniques (formalized curricula and yearly programs) of education, but drew on the traditional textbooks, and tried to maintain instruction under the supervision of the malamic families. By 1978, Fityan had succeeded in establishing 421 Islamiyya schools.

THE TAFSIR OF UMAR SANDA IDRIS

In some ways, Gumi’s approach to the media had succeeded in stimulating an overall change in the attitude of the ulama towards the public sphere. Accordingly, a tentative attempt was made among the Tijani ranks to find a figure who would not only rebut Gumi from the doctrinal point of view, but also represent the public prototype of a ‘Sufi’ scholar.

The choice initially fell upon a Kaduna-based scholar of the Tijaniyya, Shaykh Umar Sanda Idris (1929-2004). It was the Vice-President himself who apparently suggested his name.

Various accounts (both from his followers and from his opponents) suggest that Shaykh Umar Sanda’s tafsir, though appreciated for its erudition, was not considered suitable for the radio medium, because it was too extensive and too complex for the ordinary listeners. They complained that they did not understand much of it.

Shaykh Umar Sanda (Kaduna)

It was again thanks to the initiative of ‘government officials’ based in Lagos that a solution was found for the following year, and the position of the ‘anti-Gumi’ exegete was handed down to an emerging scholar and exegete from Bauchi State, Tahir Uthman (popularly known as Shehi Dahiru Bauchi), who relocated to Kaduna thanks to the sponsorship of some Kaduna-based supporters of the Tijaniyya.

Shaikh Tahir Uthman (Bauchi)

The naming of the new exegete quickly produced a sound consensus among the previous contenders, especially Shaykh Umar Sanda, who expressed his unreserved support and retired from the Radio, indicating Tahir Bauchi as his own official successor. The two have since expressed mutual friendship and high reciprocal esteem, and at the former’s death in 2004, the latter was entrusted with officiating the funeral rites.

Source:

The Radio Kaduna Tafsir (1978-1992) and the construction of public images of Muslim scholars in the Nigerian media

By: Prof. Andrea Brigaglia
(Muqadam Nasrudeen al-Itali thumma al-kanawi)

Published by: Journal for Islamic Studies, Vol.27, 2007, pp. 173-210

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SHAYKH UMAR SANDA (KADUNA): SCHOLAR & MYSTIC PAR EXCELLENCE

(The one who learned the Futuhat Makkiyya by Prophet Idris/Enoch)

By: Dr. Andrea Brigaglia

I had the fortune of meeting Sheikh Umaru Sanda, in 2002.

I went to visit him to ask questions on his tafsir (quranic exegesis) at Radio Kaduna.

His khadim (servant) told me he never comes out of his khalwa (Seclusion), except on Fridays for Jumu'a.

So he said write the questions on paper, he will write the answers.

I wrote the questions and I was told to come on such and such day to collect the answers.

When I went I saw a lot of students. They told me the Shaykh had announced he will come out to be interviewed by me.

Such a smile, I will never forget the face he had when he came out of his room.

Do you know his picture that circulates in the internet? I snapped it on that day.

The interview lasted almost two hours.

Among the things I asked him is about the fact that he was often quoting from the Futuhat Makkiyya (Meccan Opening) of Ibn Arabi;

I asked him if he had studied it with someone or on his own.

He said he was taught the Futuhat Makkiyya by Annabi Idris (May Allah be pleased with him)!!!

I am not sure when I will be able to transcribe that interview.....

Culled from my Whatsapp chat with Dr. Andrea Brigaglia

SHAYKH UMAR SANDA (KADUNA): THE RENOWNED ASTRONOMER

By: Dr. Salisu Balarabe

"In most recent times, the most outstanding astronomer is Sheikh Umar Sanda (died 2004) who did not only become a world figure in astronomy, but also a consultant of NASA of the United States of America in the 20th century."

Source:

The Significance of Astronomy in the Ancient Arabic Manuscripts of Northern Nigeria and Their Preservation, by Dr. Salisu Balarabe (Director, 'Arewa House Center for Historical Documentation and Research, Kaduna Nigeria')

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VIDEO INTERVIEW

OF SHAIKH UMAR SANDA

Shaikh Umar Sanda (Kaduna)

on Isra wal Miraj

SUFI LITERATURE AND PRAYER BOOKS COLLECTION (AVAILABLE FOR ORDER)

*SALAT ALA NABIYY (PRAYER UPON PROPHET) COLLECTION/SERIES*

Available for order and worldwide delivery....

1. It'haful muhtaaj bi tarfat al hajj fi salvation alaa saahibi taaj....by Shaikh Abubakar Atiku

2. Majmuu' kutubu thalatha....by Sheikh Aliyyu Harazim (kano).

3. Jaami'u salawaat alaa nabiyy....by Sheikh Aliyyu Harazim (kano).

4. Sullamu l muhibeena ilaa hadrat khairul mursaleen....by Sheikh Aliyyu Harazim (kano).

5. Salat qadaa'i l hawaa'ij....by Sheikh Aliyyu Harazim (kano).

6. Sirrul asraar fii salaat alaa Jaami'u l anwaar....by Sheikh Aliyyu Harazim (kano).

7. Mataalib al abd fii salaat alaa afdal mash'had....by Seyyid Hussein ibn Ilyas al-harazimi.

8. 'Awaa-idu l barakat fi fawaaidul waraqaat min hadrat Mawlana al-Arif billah Shaykh Aliyyu Harazim

9. Jihazu Sarih of Sheu Gibrima

10. Hizbu suwar al maneehi....by Sheu Gibrima

11. Nataij safar....by Sheu Gibrima

12. Itbaau tazyeel....by Sheu Gibrima

13. Sidratul muntaha....by Sheu Gibrima

14. Tazyeel wa tahaqeeb....by Sheu Gibrima

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NEW BOOKS AVAILABLE

1. Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse's Annual Mawlid Nabiyy Lectures at Senegal - Arabic text & English Translation.

2. Selected Prayer Poems (Qasaa'id) of Shaikh Ibrahim Niasse from Kanzul Masun - Arabic, Transliteration & English Translation.

3. Jawahir Rasail (A Collection of Priceless Expositions via Letters "Letters 1 to 10"): Diamond Sparkles - Arabic text, English Translation and Commentary by Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse

4. Tahniah (Congratulatory Ode) of Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse to the Prophet Muhammad (Part 1) – Selected, Transliterated & Translated by Alhaji Abdul-Quadri Okeneye

5. Handbook for Every Tijaniyyat - (Compiled by Sayyid Ahmad Bello As-Suufi Harazimi)

FODIO LITERATURE AVAILABLE

1. Selected Writings of Shaykh Usman Dan Fodio (Mukhtarat min Mualafaat Sheikh Usman Fodio) 3vols.......in English, Hausa and Arabic

2. Selected Writings of Shaykh Abdullahi Dan Fodio (Mukhtarat min Mualafaat Sheikh Abdullahi Fodio) 3vols.......in English, Hausa and Arabic

3. Selected Writings of Shaykh Muhammad Bello ibn Usman Dan Fodio (Mukhtarat min Mualafaat Sheikh Muhammad Bello ibn Usman Fodio) 2vols.......in English, Hausa and Arabic

Note: Only limited copies available

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email: smilebak2004@gmail.com

Other available books

1. Tafsir al-Jalalayn...warsh
2. Quran...written in warsh style with hausa leather pouch
3. Quran....very old manuscript...written in warsh with hausa leather pouch
4. Diya at-Ta’wil fi Ma’ani at-Tanzil (hafs)...Published copy the tafsir by Abdullahi bin Fodio
5. Shifaa Qadi Iyadh (warsh)

And many other books are available

To get copies...contact the above links

CLASSICAL QUR'ANIC CALLIGRAPHY & MANUSCRIPTS (Available for order)

1. Qur’an (warsh) - Handwritten, with Barnawi/Kanawi calligraphic style (neatly wrapped in a leather skin-bag)

2. Qur’an (warsh) - Handwritten (Over centuries old manuscript, loosely bounded in leather case)

3. Qur’an (warsh) - Electronic print

4. Dalail al-khayrat (warsh) - Electronic print

5. Shifaa of Qadhi Iyadh (warsh) - Electronic print

6. Fii Riyadh Tafsir of Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse (7volumes)

7. Majmuu’at at-ta‘areef bi Shaikh Ibrahim Niasse (7volumes)

1. Dala'ilu l khairat of Shaikh Sulaiman Jazuli (Arabic text, Translation, Transliteration by Imam Marooph Raji)

2. Hizbu Sayfi & Hizbul Mughni (Arabic text, Translation, Transliteration by Imam Marooph Raji)

3. Hizbul Bahri (Arabic text, Translation, Transliteration by Imam Marooph Raji)

4. Hizbu Suwar al Manee'hi – ‘Arabic (composed like Hizbu Sayfi)’ (by Shk. Muhammad Gibrima)

5. Sidratul Muntaha ad-daa'een– ‘Arabic’ (by Muhammad Gibrima)

6. Jihazu Sarih – ‘Arabic prayer book on Salatul fat’hi’ (by Shk. Muhammad Gibrima)

7. Tibbul faa'ihi – ‘Arabic prayer book on Salatul fat’hi’ (by Shk. Abdul-Waahid Nazeefii)

8. Nataa'ij Safar – ‘Arabic prayer book on Salatul fat’hi’ (by Shaikh Muhammad Gibrima)

9. Itbaau Tazyeel – ‘Arabic prayer book on Salatul fat’hi’ (by Shaikh Muhammad Gibrima)

10. Sirrul Jaleel fii l Khawaas 'Hasbunallahu wa ni'mal Wakeel (by Shaikh Abul Hassan Shadhili)

11. Afdalu Salawaat ala Sayyidi Saadaat – ‘Arabic collection of Salat upon the Prophet’ (Shaikh Yusuf ibn Ismaa'eel an-Nabahani)

12. Kanzul Masun wa luuluu l Maknuun – ‘Arabic collection of prayers written by Shaikh Ibrahim Niasse. Compiled by Imam Hassan Cisse’.

13. Ahzab wa Awrad (Litanies) of Shaikh Ahmad Tijani

1. Vessel of Spiritual Flood, Translation of Goran Faydah by Shaykh Balarabe Haroon Jega - (Translated by Khalifah Awwal Baba Taofiq)

2. Rihlat Konakriyah (A trip to Conakry), Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse - (Translated by Khalifah Awwal Baba Taofiq)

3. Shariah and Haqeeqah: In the Light of the Qur'an and the Prophetic Traditions (Compiled by Khalifah Awwal Baba Taofiq)

4. The Icon of Mystics: Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse Al-Kawlakhy (Compiled by Khalifah Awwal Baba Taofiq)

5. Kano Conferences (Majlis Kano) and the khutba titled (Hadiqat al-Anwar fii ma ihtawa alayhi qawaaid al-Islam minal hikam wal asrar) - (Translated by Sayyidah Bilqis Grillo)

6. Katsina and Kaduna Conferences (Jadhbul ahbab ila hadrat Rabbil arbab) and Mecca Conference - (Translated by Sayyidah Bilqis Grillo)

7. A Brief Biography of the Shaykh al-Islam Ibrahim Niasse (Compiled by Sayyidah Bilqis Grillo)

8. Risalat at-Tawbah (Epistle of Repentance) of Shaykh Ibrahim Niyass al-Kawlakhi" – (Translation & Commentary by Dr. Razzaq Solagberu)

9. Islamic Law of Inheritance, by Sayyid Ali ibn Abubakar al-Muthanna ibn Abdullah Niasse (Translated by Dr. Sulaiman Shittu)

10. Muassasah Nasr al-'ilm Int. (AAII) Magazines No. 13, 14 & 15 (with Articles like Outline of Life of Sufi Heros & Heroines like Shaikh Ibrahim Niasse, Shaikh Abdus-Salam Oniwiridi Pakata, Shaikh Muhammad Bello Eleha, Shaikh Ahmad Rufa'i Nda Salati, and others...this magazines also features other interesting Articles).

11. Numerous “English” Sufism & Tijaniyyah Tariqah E-books/Journals/Articles (soft copies - to be sent via email)

12. Numerous “Arabic” Sufism & Tijaniyyah Tariqah E-books/Journals/Articles (soft copies - to be sent via email)

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