In a profound testament to his humility, the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, a towering Islamic scholar in Nigeria, explicitly rejected any commemoration of his birthday as a Maulid celebration in his final will. The instructions, made public, underscore his desire to be remembered as an equal among his peers in the Tijjaniyyah Sufi Order.
A Clear Instruction Against Special Commemoration
The revered scholar, who passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025, in Bauchi State, left no room for ambiguity. He directed that the 2nd of Muharram, the date of his birth, should never be set aside as a special day for a Maulid gathering in his honour after his death. Sheikh Dahiru emphasised that he was not worthy of such veneration, which he reserved for figures like the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Shehu Tijjani, and Shehu Ibrahim Inyass.
In a recorded message, he stated firmly, "I do not agree that there will be a gathering on the 2nd of Muharram, the day Shehu Dahiru was born to celebrate a Maulid. I do not agree. This should not be done for me after my life."
Upholding Equality Among Muqaddams
Central to his directive was a reminder of his role. Sheikh Dahiru clarified that he was simply one Muqaddam (Muoaddami) among many within the Tijjaniyyah Order. He considered the honour of being appointed a Muqaddam by the Shehu, serving as his assistant and becoming his son-in-law, to be more than sufficient recognition.
He presented a practical argument against the practice, questioning, "If every Muqaddam is given a Maulid, how many days would remain without one?" He pointed out that given the large number of Muqaddams across Nigeria, designating a Maulid for each would mean there would be "no day in Nigeria without a Maulid." His final wish was to remain like his fellow brothers, insisting, "Let me be like the rest of my brothers, the Muqaddams."
Caution Against Comparing Months to Figures
The scholar also issued a stern warning against a trending practice of associating Islamic months with great personalities. He specifically forbade statements such as: "Rabi'ul Awwal brought us the Prophet (PBUH), Safar brought us Shehu Tijjani, Rajab brought us Shehu Ibrahim, and Muharram brought us Shehu Dahiru."
"Let this never be said again. I do not want to hear it," he cautioned, demonstrating his commitment to preventing any form of personal glorification that could disturb the spiritual order.
Despite his rejection of a personal Maulid, Sheikh Dahiru expressed pride in his role in promoting the teachings of the order. He noted with gratitude that he was the first person to initiate the Maulid celebration of Shehu Ibrahim Inyass, which is observed in the month of Rajab.
The publication of his will has sparked reflections on humility and spiritual leadership. Meanwhile, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has described his death as a "monumental loss" creating a deep void in Nigeria's quest for unity and peaceful coexistence, praising his lifelong advocacy for religious tolerance.
