By ZUBAIRU IDRIS

Followers of Tijaniyya Islamic Sect across 15 countries from the West and North Africa are expected to converge on Katsina for the 40th Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass Maulud.

The Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Sheikh Muhammad Hadi-Balarabe, made the disclosure at a press briefing, on Wednesday in Katsina.

Hadi-Balarabe explained that the Maulud was organised by the national body of “Majma’u Ahbab Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass”, with the theme: “Life of Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass, His Works and Contributions to Islam”.

He said that the event, scheduled to hold on Jan. 17, would host about 4 million people across 15 countries from the West and North Africa.

Hadi-Balarabe said: “This will be the third time Katsina is hosting the National Maulud of the revered Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass.”

According to him, it was first hosted in 2002, 2016 and currently in 2026, adding that the event is mainly organised to remember the contributions made by the scholar when he was alive.

The chairman, who recalled that Sheikh Nyass was born in 1900 in Senegal, died in 1975, after making immense contributions to the progress of the Islamic religion in the world.

He revealed that Sheikh Nyass loved the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), and adhered to his teachings, “that is why followers of Tijaniyya loved him so much.

“Historically, for the past two decades, we don’t know any scholar who has contributed more than Sheikh Nyass.

“In 2016, about 3 million people attended the Maulud here in Katsina, we are predicting that the number will now reach over 4 million.”

Hadi-Balarabe revealed that activities marking the event would start one week to the date.

Part of the activities, he said, was paper presentations by prominent scholars on the life and works of the revered Islamic scholar during his life time.

The chairman revealed that various committees were constituted to ensure a hitch-free gathering, and would liasse with the security agencies to conduct a successful programme.

“Some of the significance of the event include display of his scholarly works, strengthening unity and brotherhood among Muslims, and boosting business activities in the state,” Hadi-Balarabe said.

He called on people of the state to passionately display the spirit of hospitality they were known for to their guests and endeavour to contribute in any way they could to make the event successful.

The chairman said they would conduct a Friday ‘Zikr’ at various Mosques and after the main event, a special prayer for peace and prosperity to prevail across the nation would also be offered. (NAN)