Sheikh Muhammad Bin Abdullahi Manbigi, born around 1905, was a distinguished Nupe Islamic scholar whose legacy has left an indelible mark on the religious and cultural landscape of Lafiagi Emirate.
He was born into the family of Mallam Abdullahi Baba Doko and Mallama Khadijah Nna-Ndagi. His mother hailed from Ellah, a riverine community nestled on the banks of the River Niger near Patigi, while his father, a talented drummer, served as the Etsu-Dzan during the reigns of Etsu Ahmadu (1892-1915) and Etsu Bello (1915-1945).
Unlike many of his siblings who inherited the family’s drumming skills, young Muhammad exhibited a different inclination, one that would shape his destiny.
Recognizing this, his father initially sought to train him in trade and commerce. However, fate had other plans. A close friend of his father, who saw a spark in young Muhammad, advised that he be sent to Makanta Quranu (Qur’anic school) instead. This pivotal decision would set him on a path of deep spiritual and intellectual pursuit.
Sheikh Muhammad began his Qur’anic education at home under the guidance of Mallam Ndagiman.
The family compound was a hub of both drumming and Qur’anic education, where those who excelled in religious studies were encouraged to pursue their spiritual calling, while others continued the drumming tradition. Muhammad’s natural affinity for Qur’anic knowledge soon became evident, and he was allowed to fully dedicate himself to his studies.
Following his initial training at home, Sheikh Muhammad advanced to Makaranta Illimi, an institution outside his family compound in Emi Marina. There, under the tutelage of Mallam Manzuma, he distinguished himself as a dedicated student, often staying long after others had left to absorb more wisdom. His commitment to learning earned him the affection and respect of Mallam Manzuma, and this bond was so strong that Sheikh Muhammad named one of his sons after him—Alhaji Mohammed Manzuma, who would go on to become the pioneer Registrar of CAILS.
After the passing of Mallam Manzuma, Sheikh Muhammad continued his studies under Sheikh Abdullahi (MAN Yan Emi Soniyan) at Emi Soniyan and also gained knowledge from several itinerant scholars, most notably Sheikh Yusuf Lokoja. His dedication to Islamic learning and propagation was unwavering.
Sheikh Muhammad was deeply involved in the Ramadan Tafsir of Efu Mayaki from his youth, and in 1974, after the death of Liman Mayaki, he took over the leadership of the Tafsir. His spiritual journey culminated in his appointment as Liman Mayaki in 1989.
His commitment to Islamic propagation extended beyond Lafiagi Emirate. He tirelessly spread the teachings of Islam to remote areas, including Kokodo, Kuso-Ninguba, Lata-Woro, Lata-Nna, Essanti, Kanworo, Mawogi, and Gbaadza (now defunct). Kokodo became his base, from where he would journey to the surrounding villages, preaching the words of Allah.
His host in Kokodo, Alhaji Abubakar Ndaliman, was so inspired by Sheikh Muhammad’s efforts that he regularly traveled to Lafiagi for Juma’at prayers until they succeeded in establishing Juma’at prayers in Kokodo, a practice that has continued for over four decades. One of Alhaji Abubakar’s sons eventually became the Chief Imam of Kokodo, a testament to Sheikh Muhammad’s enduring influence.
Sheikh Muhammad’s relentless efforts in Islamic propagation effectively kept Christian missionaries at bay in these villages for many years. His contributions did not go unnoticed. In recognition of his immense efforts, he was bestowed with the prestigious title of MURSHID on August 23, 1997, by the League of Imams and Scholars of Jamat Nasrul Islam in Lafiagi Emirate.
He was the first to hold this esteemed title. Additionally, on December 27, 2000, the Lafiagi Emirate Development Union (LADDU) honored him for his selfless and dedicated service to the community.
Sheikh Muhammad Bin Abdullahi Manbigi passed away on March 19, 2006. His legacy lives on through his many children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren, one of whom is myself, the owner of this website, Buhari Abdulrahman. Sheikh Muhammad Bin Abdullahi Manbigi is my greatgrandfather.
Abdulrahman Buhari is a seasoned website content writer renowned for his profound expertise in Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Over the span of his career, he has masterfully crafted over 2,000 blog articles across a variety of websites, solidifying his place as a respected figure in content optimization. Abdulrahman is currently studying as a Pharm D. student at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Beyond his academic endeavors, he exhibits a genuine passion for crafting content tailored to satisfy the search intent of Google users. Hailing from the Nupe tribe, Abdulrahman has honed his skills in SEO for half a decade, consistently delivering excellence.