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11/07/2026

11/07/2026

iography of Alhaji Ash-Sheikh Abdullahi Sultan Kamaldeen Al-Adabiy (1939–2012)
Alhaji Ash-Sheikh Abdullahi Sultan Kamaldeen Al-Adabiy was a distinguished Nigerian Islamic scholar, educator, linguist, administrator, and public intellectual whose life represented a remarkable combination of classical Islamic scholarship, modern academic excellence, and exemplary character. He was widely respected for his profound knowledge of the Qur’an, Arabic literature, Islamic studies, and his ability to harmonize traditional Islamic values with contemporary education and administration.
Born in 1939 in Lagos, Nigeria, into the renowned Al-Adabiy family of Ilorin, Sheikh Abdullahi Sultan Kamaldeen was the third child and second son of the great Islamic scholar, Sheikh Muhammad Kamalud-Deen Habibullah Al-Adabiy (1893–2005), the first Grand M***i of Ilorin and founder of the Al-Adabiyyah educational tradition. His mother was Madam Hafsat, the first wife of Sheikh Muhammad Kamalud-Deen. He was raised in the spiritually rich environment of the family home at Ile Ara-Agbaji, Okekere, Ilorin, where he received early exposure to Islamic learning, discipline, and moral upbringing.
Early Islamic Education
From childhood, Sheikh Abdullahi Sultan Kamaldeen was nurtured under the guidance of his father, a pioneer of Islamic reform and modern Islamic education in West Africa. He received comprehensive training in Qur’anic studies, Arabic language, Islamic jurisprudence, and classical Islamic sciences through the Al-Adabiyyah educational system.
His upbringing reflected his father’s vision of producing scholars who possessed both sound Islamic knowledge and modern intellectual skills. This balanced educational philosophy greatly influenced his personality, career, and lifelong commitment to learning and service.
Western Education and Linguistic Excellence
In addition to his strong foundation in Islamic scholarship, Sheikh Abdullahi Sultan Kamaldeen pursued Western education with remarkable dedication. He specialized in languages and obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A. Hons) degree in English and French in 1969.
He was a highly accomplished linguist with exceptional command of three international languages: Arabic, English, and French. His ability to communicate fluently and effectively in these languages greatly enhanced his role as a scholar, educator, lecturer, and public speaker. He was known for his eloquence, clarity of expression, and impressive ability to present complex religious, academic, and social matters in a simple and understandable manner.
He was a refined and humble personality, admired for his neat appearance, dignified conduct, intellectual confidence, and outstanding presentation skills. His mastery of languages enabled him to serve as a bridge between different cultures and intellectual traditions, reflecting the vision of combining Islamic heritage with global knowledge.
His academic interests extended to bilingual education, literature, and cross-cultural communication. He further developed his intellectual capacity through postgraduate studies and research in France and at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).
Academic and Administrative Career
Sheikh Abdullahi Sultan Kamaldeen began his professional career in academia, serving as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, where he contributed to higher education and intellectual development.
After returning to Kwara State, he continued his service in the educational sector and became a respected academic administrator at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. He rose to the position of Deputy Registrar, where he made significant contributions to institutional development, student administration, and academic management.
Beyond education, he served the wider Muslim community through public service. Between 1996 and 1997, he was appointed Chairman of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Board, where he contributed to the effective organization and coordination of Hajj operations for Muslims in the state.
Religious Scholarship and Community Service
Despite his achievements in secular education and administration, Sheikh Abdullahi Sultan Kamaldeen remained deeply devoted to Islamic scholarship and propagation. He was recognized as an outstanding Qur’anic commentator and was honoured by the Muslim community with the prestigious title:
Sultanul-Mufassirīn
(The King of Qur’anic Commentators)
He was admired for his eloquence, intellectual depth, humility, and ability to explain Islamic teachings in a manner accessible to scholars and ordinary members of the community alike.
He also played an important role in supporting the activities and educational mission of the Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria, an organization founded by his father in 1942 to promote Islamic education, moral development, and community advancement.
Family and Legacy
Sheikh Abdullahi Sultan Kamaldeen was part of a remarkable generation of the Al-Adabiy family whose members contributed greatly to Islamic scholarship, education, public administration, and national development.
His siblings included prominent scholars, administrators, and public figures who continued the legacy of Sheikh Muhammad Kamalud-Deen Al-Adabiy. Together, they upheld the family’s commitment to Islamic learning, peaceful religious propagation, and educational advancement.
Passing and Enduring Memory
Alhaji Ash-Sheikh Abdullahi Sultan Kamaldeen Al-Adabiy passed away on 13 June 2012 at the age of 73.
His passing was deeply mourned by the Muslim community in Nigeria and beyond. He remains remembered as a scholar who embodied intellectual excellence, humility, good character, and dedication to knowledge.
His legacy continues to inspire students of Islamic studies, educators, linguists, and all those committed to the advancement of both religious and modern education.
May Allah, the Most High, grant him abundant mercy, complete forgiveness, and elevate his rank among the righteous.
رَحِمَهُ اللهُ تَعَالَى رَحْمَةً وَاسِعَةً وَمَغْفِرَةً تَامَّةً

10/07/2026

Baba n mansigba with some of his notable students

10/07/2026

للشعراء فقط 👇

10/07/2026

🤍❤️‍🩹💥💯forever

10/07/2026

Let's explore LIFE HISTORY OF SHAYKH (DR.) MUHAMMAD KAMALUD-DEEN HABIBULLAHI AL-ADABY

SHAYKH (DR.) MUHAMMAD KAMALUD-DEEN HABIBULLAHI AL-ADABY
His Birth
His Eminence, Shaykh (Dr.) Muhammad Kamalud-deen Al-Adabiy, MFR, OFR, ORSA (Egypt). D.Litt. (University of Ilorin), Fellow of Islamic Studies in Nigeria (FISN) was born in Ara-Agbaji compound of Masingba, Okekere area in Ilorin at the turn of the twentieth century. His father was Mallam Habibullahi, son of Musa while his mother was Madam Khadijah. The paternal grandparents are said to have migrated from Katsina
II. His Education
Young Muhammad Kamalud-deen was brought up in a purely Islamic environment. He thereby imbibed the muslim way of life. He acquired Quranic education under the tutelage of Shaykh Ahmad Tijani and his son Shaykh Salahudeen at Ile Babaita, Ilorin. At the same time, a great Arabic scholar and distinguished Sufi-Shaykh Muhammad Al-Jami Al-Labib was already popular in Ilorin. The mystic Shaykh was popularly known as Shaykh Taj al-Adab. He foresaw bright and promising future in young Muhammad Kamalud-deen and therefore sought his father’s permission to have him as a pupil. Mallam Habibullahi was already fond of his son and as such, he could not easily part with him. After persistent persuation however, he yielded to the request of Shaykh Taj al-Adab and finally allowed young Muhammad Kamalud-deen to join the mystic Shaykh as a pupil. Thus, young Muhammad Kamalud-deen was admitted into Adabiyyah School of Shaykh Taj al-Adab on the 8th of .Rajab 1338 A.H/28 th of March, 1920 CE. It is remarkable to note that though young Muhammad Kamalud-deen spent less than four years as a pupil of Shaykh Taj al-Adab, he acquired sufficient knowledge, skill and competence in all branches of Arabic and Islamic Studies. This distinction in learning made him self-sufficient. Consequently, he did not turn to any other person for further studies even after the death of his teacher shaykh Taj Al-Adab in 1923 C.E. Indeed, he became as popular, famous and renowned as his Sufi teacher.
Equally significant is the observation that not all the years that young Muhammad Kamalud-deen spent with Shaykh Taj Al-Adab were devoted to the study of textbooks; rather, he often accompanied his Shaykh on all his journeys within and outside Nigeria. For him to have become a scholar of repute within a short period is therefore, a special blessing often bestowed on the divinely chosen people.
Of equal significance and relevance, at this juncture, is the fact that young Muhammad Kamalud-deen acquired the knowledge of how to conduct open air-preaching from his teacher, Shaykh Taj al-Adab. In demonstrating his competence in this field of Islamic propagation, young Muhammad Kamalud-deen staged his first public lecture in Ilorin during the life-time of his teacher. The said lecture was delivered to the satisfaction of Shaykh Taj al-Adab and admiration of several thousands of people from within and outside the city. Earlier, young Muhammad Kamalud-deen had staged his first lecture in life at Ihunbo, a border village between Oke-Odan in Nigeria and Ajase in Benin Republic. Both lectures were delivered while young Muhammad Kamalud-deen was less than fifteen years of age. This event was quite unusual for a boy of so young an age. A similar observation has been made by late Shaykh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilori when he remarked that Shaykh Kamalud-deen is “a special sign of Allah, a wonder of his time and a symbol of the miraculous deeds of his Shaykh Taj-al-Adab.
It is also worthy of note that Shaykh Taj al-Adab conferred the title “KAMALUD-DEEN” on young Muhammad following an examination on the popular book of law titled: Ar-Risalah of al-Qayrawani in which he excelled other pupils. The examination was conducted by Shaykh Taj al-Adab himself. Moreover, the marital life of young Muhammad Kamalud-deen was initiated by the same Shaykh Taj al-Adab. It is on record that Shaykh Taj al-Adab persuaded his father, Shaykh Imam Abdul-Qadir to give young ‘Aishah (Sister to Shaykh Taj al-Adab) in marriage to young Muhammad Kamalud-deen whose marital life is the next subject of discussion.
III. His Marital Life
(a) His Wives
The first lady to be proposed for marriage to young Muhammad Kamalud-deen as wife was young ‘Aishah (later known as Iya Tuntun) in the early twenties, but his first marriage to be consummated was with Madam ‘Aishah Oke-Okuta in the mid twenties. It is however worthy of note that Madam ‘Aishah Oke-Okuta was later divorced.
Thereafter, Shaykh Muhammad Kamalud-deen married Madam Hafsat in Lagos. She was blessed with three children:
(i) Alhaji Sofiyullahi (born 1929)
(ii) Alhaja Rahmatullahi (born 1935)
(iii) Alhaji Abdullahi (born 1939)
Madam Hafsat lived with Shaykh Muhammad Kamalud-deen till she died in 1945. Hitherto, he had consummated the marriage with young ‘Aishah (Iya tuntun). The marriage is blessed with three children:
(i) Alhaja Fatimah(born 1936)
(ii) Alhaji Abdulquadir Adisa (born 1944)
(ii) Alhaji Mustafa (born 1948)
Alhaja Aishah (Iya tuntun) died on the night of 2 nd March, 1994. Shaykh Muhammad Kamalud-deen also married Madam Maryam, daughter of Mallam Salahud-deen, his Quranic teacher. Alhaja Maryam died on the 19th day of November, 1990 and was survived by Alhaja Ashiawu born 1936.
Another wife of Shaykh Muhammad Kamalud-deen was Alhaja Habibat from Ajikobi family, Ilorin. She died on Wednesday, 24th July, 1985 and was survived by three children. They are:
(i) Alhaji Ahmad (born 1938)
(ii) Alhaji Abdur Rashid (born 1940)
(iii) Alhaji Mubarak (born 1948)
The last wife of Shaykh Muhammad Kamalud-deen was Alhaja Munirah Alawiye. She was an indigene of Ilorin but lived and died in Lagos. She had no issue for the Shaykh. She died in 1973.
It should be noted that shaykh Muhammad Kamalud-deen did not marry more than four wives at a time. It should also be specifically mentioned that he had divorced Madam ‘Aishah of Oke-Okuta before he married Alhaja Habibat and that Madam Hafsat had died before his marriage with Alhaja Munirat Alawiye.
(b). His children
The eldest child of Shaykh Muhammad kamalud-deen is Alhaji Sofiyullahi, the current khalifatul-Adabiyyah and the overseer of Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria. He is a prominent Arabic teacher and a successful travelling agent to Saudi Arabia for ‘Umrah and Hajj. The eldest daughter of the Shaykh is Alhaja Rahma-tullahi. She is married to Alhaji jami’ Gold one of the prominent pupils of the Shaykh and the Western Zone Missioner of Ansarul-Islam Society of Nigeria till he died.
Alhaja ‘Ashya’ is the second daughter and third child of Shaykh Muhammad Kamalud-deen. She is married to Alhaji Abdur-Rahim Aminullahi (Oniwasi Agbaye), who is the current National Missioner of Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria and the proprietor of Kamal School of Arabic and Islamic studies, Ilorin. Alhaja Fatimah Batuli is the next child of the Shaykh. She is married to Alhaji Ali Adebayo Salahud-deen, who is the junior brother to late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Salaudeen the former National Missioner of Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria (who died on Sunday, 22 Rajab 1407/22 March, 1987).
Alhaji Ahmad Olayiwola is the second son and fifth child of the Shaykh. He obtained the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Hons. Degree in Arabic from the famous Cairo University, Egypt and a post-graduate diploma in Education (PGDE) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He was a one-time National President of the Nigeria Association of Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NATAIS). He served the Kwara State of Nigeria in various capacities till he became a Director-General. He also served the State as a Commissioner for Education.
Imam Abd’Allah Sultan is the next son of the Shaykh. He obtained the Bachelor of Arts (B.A) Hons degree in English and French in 1969. He offered post-graduate courses in France and at the University of Ife. He was a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano before he later returned to Kwara state to serve as a lecturer and later as Deputy Registrar at the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, He served as Chairman, Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Board from 1996 to 1997.
The fourth son of the Shaykh is Brig. Gen. Abdur-Rashid (Rtd). He obtained Bachelor of Arts (B.A) Hons. Degree in Islamic Studies from Abdullahi Bayero College of Ahmadu Bello University in 1969. He taught for some time at Shehu Sabah College, Kaduna. Later, he joined the Directorate of Islamic Affairs in the Nigerian Army. He was a Director in the Directorate before he retired.
Next in the rank of the Shaykh’s sons is Alhaji Abdul Quadir Adisa. He was a qualified teacher. He later retired as a superintendent in the Immigration Department in the Federal Ministry of Internal affairs, before he joined Az-zumratul Adabiyyah Kamaliyyah, (The Alma Mater) as one of the overseers.
Alhaji Mustafa is the second to the last son of the Shaykh. At the successful completion of his secondary school education, he went to Cairo where he attended courses in Arabic and Islamic Studies at an Institute of Al-Azhar university. He later returned home to take up appointment as the Registrar of Al-Azhar Islamic Institute, Ilorin.
The last but not the least among the children of the Shaykh is Alhaji Mubarak. He joined the Central Bank of Nigeria as a clerk after his secondary education. He later attended courses in banking and Finance in the United State of America before joining the Nigerian Air Force. He obtained B.Sc. and M.Sc degrees. He was a Squadron Leader in the Nigerian Air Force.
It is significant to note that despite the Shaykh’s domestic responsibilities, he devoted his time to the propagation of Islam. Indeed, he has continued to make indelible marks in Da’wah activities. His achievements in this respect are discussed below.
IV. Achievement in the Area of Da’wah
Just before his death, Shaykh Taj al-Adab directed that young Muhammad Kamalud-deen should not withdraw from Da’wah activities and the promotion of Arabic and Islamic education. Since then, Shaykh Muhammad Kamalud-deen has abided by these directives and has been very active in both areas. During his early years of Da’wah activities, he used to shuttle between villages, towns and cities, inviting the generality of the people to the way of Allah, emphasizing the teachings of Islam and warning against all forms of vices. Ilorin and Lagos were the two bases from where he used to set out for major journeys on Da’wah.
In all his lectures and presentations, Shaykh Muhammad kamalud-deen depends on the glorious Qur’an, the Hadith and other major sources of Islamic Studies. For illustrations, he depends on the life history of the prophets of Allah, Islamic songs and religious stories aimed at specific moral lessons. He also used the Old and the New Testaments to convince both Christians and Muslims of the superiority of Islam to other religions. He popularized the adabiyyah melody of Qur’an recitation initiated by his Shaykh. The melody captivates listeners and generates the fear of Allah each time it is used to recite the Glorious Qur’an. It is relevant to add that Muhammad Kamalud-deen’s da’wah trips covered the Republic of Benin and the length and breadth of Nigeria, his dawah has a multinational recognition where he still has a lot of admirers some of whom were his pupils who later established themselves as distinguished muslim scholars. In the North of the country, he enjoys a very good and strong friendly relationship with eminent muslim personalities and scholars. Some of these include the late premier of the defunct Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto whom he accompanied, along with some other muslim scholars, to some Arab countries on official visit in the early sixties. Others include a former head of State, late General Murtala Rahmat Muhammad whom he also accompanied to Saudi Arabia for Hajj in 1975 Others are Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki, the former Sultan of Sokoto; late Shaykh Junaid, the Waziri of Sokoto; late Shaykh Nasir Kabara of Kano, late Shaykh Abubakar Mahmood Gumi, Shaykh Ahmad Lemu, former Grand Khadi of Niger State, Shaykh Tahahir Bauchi and many other eminent muslim scholars.
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10/07/2026

SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT
BIOGRAPHY OF SHAYKH ABDUR-RAHEEM AMEENULLAH ONIWASI AGBAYE (AROWASI AGBAYE)
The Global Preacher, Moral Exhorter, and Islamic Institution Builder (1921–2012)
Shaykh Abdur-Raheem Ameenullah Al-Adabiyy, widely known as Oniwasi Agbaye (The Global Preacher) and also honored as Arowasi Agbaye (The Global Exhorter of Moral Guidance), was one of Nigeria’s most influential Islamic scholars, educators, and da‘wah leaders of the 20th and early 21st centuries.
Born in 1921 in Ilorin, Nigeria, he came from a deeply rooted Islamic scholarly family. His father, Shaykh Ameenullahi Al-Adabiyy, together with other family members, were established Qur’anic teachers. This environment shaped his early intellectual and spiritual foundation.
He began his education at his father’s Qur’anic school where he memorized the Qur’an and studied Arabic literacy. He later advanced under leading scholars, most notably Shaykh Muhammad Kamal-ud-Deen Habeebullah Al-Adabiyy, under whom he studied Arabic grammar, Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and classical Islamic sciences.
SCHOLARLY FORMATION AND DA‘WAH IDENTITY
Shaykh Oniwasi Agbaye became distinguished for his mastery of Arabic, Yoruba, and English, which made his sermons accessible to both scholars and the general public. He was often described as a scholar with extraordinary memory, eloquence, and deep command of Islamic literature.
His preaching identity combined two major roles:
Oniwasi Agbaye – The Global Preacher
Arowasi Agbaye – The Global Moral Exhorter and Corrector
As an Arowasi, he was known for strong moral admonition, fearless guidance, and deep spiritual reminders that addressed both individuals and society at large.
WASI TRADITION AND AJANASI SYSTEM
Shaykh Oniwasi Agbaye’s preaching style was deeply rooted in the wasi tradition, a Yoruba Islamic sermon style that blends Qur’anic interpretation, Hadith, Arabic poetry, and Yoruba rhetorical expression.
A key feature of his preaching was the use of ajanasi, a structured recitation and reinforcement system used to deepen spiritual understanding and emotional engagement.
Scholars and Ajanasi Performers Associated with Him:
Shaykh Abdul Qadir Mustapha Oniyangi
Shaykh Ahmad Aluko
Shaykh Ahmad Alaye
Shaykh Ambali Gunnyan
Dr. Ibrahim Mahmud Muhammad Adabata
Shaykh Muheeb al-Din Uthman Kuranga
Shaykh Bukhari Musa
Shaykh Abdul Rauf Salahud-deen
These scholars supported his wasi sessions through recitation, poetic reinforcement, and structured Islamic exhortations that enriched his sermons.
EDUCATIONAL LEGACY AND INSTITUTIONS
In 1951, he established a night learning system known as:
Al-Madrasa al-Layliyyah li-Mahw al-Jahl wa al-Ummiyyah
This institution later developed into:
Kamal School of Arabic and Islamic Studies
He also founded the:
Al-Adabiyyatul-Kamaliyyah Society of Nigeria (1970)
These institutions became major centers for Arabic and Islamic education, producing generations of scholars and teachers.
DA‘WAH EXPANSION AND INFLUENCE
From the early 1950s, Shaykh Oniwasi Agbaye travelled widely across Nigeria delivering sermons focused on:
morality and discipline
spiritual purification
social justice
Islamic education
community development
He became a leading figure in the Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria, where he served as a National Missioner and contributed significantly to its expansion.
INTELLECTUAL AND GLOBAL RECOGNITION
He was widely respected for his ability to connect classical Islamic knowledge with modern communication. He also participated in Islamic conferences across countries such as Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Tunisia.
He served in various religious administrative roles and was actively involved in pilgrimage affairs in Nigeria.
HAJJ AND SPIRITUAL LIFE
Shaykh Oniwasi Agbaye is widely reported to have performed Hajj more than 50 times, reflecting both his deep spiritual devotion and his long involvement in pilgrimage administration and Islamic service.
LEGACY
He passed away on 25 May 2012, shortly after Jumu‘ah prayer, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of Islamic scholarship, da‘wah, and institutional development.
He is remembered as:
Oniwasi Agbaye (Global Preacher)
Arowasi Agbaye (Global Moral Exhorter)
A pioneer of Yoruba Islamic preaching tradition
A builder of Islamic educational institutions
A bridge between classical Arabic scholarship and Yoruba Islamic expression

10/07/2026

Biography of Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Saliu Alfa Onida (Imam Fulani)
Muhammad Bashir Saliu Al-Fulani, widely known as Imam Fulani, was a Nigerian Islamic scholar, teacher, and spiritual leader who served as the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate. He was born in 1950 in Ilorin, Nigeria, into a respected Islamic scholarly family and passed away on 19 January 2026 at the age of 75.
Early Life and Family Background
Shaykh Bashir was born into the renowned Alfa Omo Onida family of Baboko, Ilorin. His father, Imam Saliu Omo Onida Abdulkadir, was also a former Chief Imam of Ilorin, making him part of a strong lineage of Islamic scholarship and leadership. His upbringing was deeply rooted in Qur’anic learning and Islamic tradition.
Education and Islamic Training
He began his early Qur’anic education at the Magaji Baboko Qur’anic School in Ilorin. He later studied under several prominent scholars, including Shaykh Abubakar Sakama and Shaykh Musa Nuhu Elere, where he spent several years mastering Arabic language, Qur’anic sciences, and Islamic jurisprudence.
In 1971, he enrolled at the Al-Mahad Al-Azhar Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Ilorin, an institution affiliated with Al-Azhar University in Cairo. He graduated in 1974 after intensive training in various Islamic disciplines under both Egyptian and Nigerian scholars.
Teaching Career
After completing his studies, Shaykh Bashir worked as a primary school teacher under the Kwara State education system. He taught at several schools including:
Woru LSMB School (1975–1978)
Kwara State Polytechnic Primary School (1978–1980)
Baptist LSMB Primary School, Surulere (1980–1983)
Alongside his government teaching career, he also continued teaching Qur’anic studies at his family Islamic school, strengthening grassroots Islamic education.
Islamic Leadership and Service
In October 1983, he was appointed the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu Gambari. He assumed this position following the death of the previous Imam and served under multiple Emirs throughout his long tenure.
As Chief Imam, he:
Led Friday (Jumu’ah) and Eid prayers across Ilorin Emirate
Conducted annual Ramadan Tafsir sessions at the Emir’s palace
Provided religious guidance, counseling, and mediation in community affairs
Worked closely with other senior Imams and Islamic scholars in the Emirate
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he also adapted to modern circumstances by participating in virtual religious leadership, including leading Eid prayers remotely.
Contributions to Islamic Education
Beyond his role as Chief Imam, he was deeply involved in Islamic education and institution-building. He established and managed several Islamic schools in different parts of Nigeria, including Ilorin, Kogi State, and Oyo State. His efforts contributed significantly to the spread of Arabic and Islamic studies across generations of students.
Leadership Roles and Influence
He served in several key positions, including:
Chairman, Kwara State Council of Ulama
Chairman, Ilorin Emirate Council of Ulama
Leader within the Council of Muslim Organisations in Kwara State
He was widely respected for his scholarship, moderation, and ability to unite religious leaders.
Recognition and Honours
Shaykh Bashir received several awards and honours during his lifetime, including:
Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), awarded in 2012
Honorary doctorate degree from Belaze University, United Kingdom (2013)
Personal Life and Legacy
He was married and blessed with children who continued his legacy in various professional fields. Known for humility, generosity, and deep knowledge, he remained one of the most influential Islamic scholars in Northern Nigeria and Yoruba-speaking Ilorin.
His legacy is defined by over four decades of uninterrupted religious leadership, educational development, and community service.
Death
Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Saliu Alfa Onida passed away on 19 January 2026 after a brief illness at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy of scholarship, leadership, and devotion to Islam.