Renowned Nigerian Islamic Cleric Dahiru Usman-Bauchi Dies At 100

Renowned Nigerian Islamic scholar Dahiru Usman-Bauchi has passed away, marking the end of a long life dedicated to religious scholarship and spiritual leadership.

A student of the cleric in Bauchi confirmed his death to Radio France International (RFI) on Wednesday, stating that he died at the reported age of 100.

Usman-Bauchi was widely known as the spiritual head of the Tijaniyyah Sufi order in Nigeria, a position that often placed him at the center of doctrinal disputes with other Islamic groups. His mastery of the Qur’an and deep grounding in Islamic jurisprudence earned him respect across West Africa.

Originally from Nafada in Gombe State, he began his Islamic education under his father before embarking on extensive travels to learn from scholars in different regions. These journeys shaped his scholarship in both mainstream Islamic studies and the Tijaniyyah Tariqah.

He authored numerous works on jurisprudence, spirituality, and Sufism—texts that are still in circulation in Nigeria and in countries like Morocco and Senegal, where Sufi traditions remain influential.

Usman-Bauchi also founded and served as the 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.