The recent installment of the three deputy Imams for the national mosque Abuja, has attracted so much anxiety and attention by worshippers that perhaps a successor to the first and longest serving Imam has emerged. Even though the chief Imam Musa Muhammad that has been among the screening panel for selecting the deputy Imams, but that was not really known or took cognizance by many commentators as it was rumored that he was removed and replaced by Dr. Ibrahim Makari from Bayero University Kano.. Imam Musa Muhammad who was also announced to have been removed last year, managed to retain his position by the intervention of some supporters from Abuja Muslim elites and perhaps some members of the national assembly. Many could not believe their eyes and ears as they attended the last Friday's prayer at the national mosque which was presided over by the same chief Imam Musa Muhammad. That really has played vital role in ending the rumor on the Imam's fate as he survives another rumor of removal .Definitely there are some officials that are opposed to the leadership style or conduct of Imam Muhammad who was usually seen visiting high profile government officials and wealthy individuals at their residences, offices and even Transcorp Hilton where naked women gather and alcohol is sold. Many would really want to see the Chief Imam restricting his movements and commit himself to the services of the mosque. Some have expressed dissatisfaction with the wealth said to have been accumulated by the scholar and several landed properties he owns in Jos the capital of Plateau state. Here is clear that those with this opinion could not also mind to find out the source of the Imam's wealth wither it was lawful or otherwise. Islam permits Muslims to accumulate wealth provided their sources are lawful. To the critics of Imam Muhammad, they regard him as so much lenient to the jurisprudence of Islam and can resort to settlement of dispute by holding unto softer stand so that various followers of sects within the Ummah can embrace him and accept his preaching. He was widely reported to have met Late President Umaru 'Yaradua when he was flown back to Nigeria from hospital in Jeddah. The scholar claimed to have spoken to 'Yaradua and even said he was getting better. Many at that time could not believe the scholar as they thought he was a sell out and that he was serving the interest of the then so called cabals. But the way things are going on now in the country have erased that criticism. Some attaches to the mosque disclosed that Imam Musa Muhammad is generous but is always willing to get lion share from the donation or alms brought by some wealthy Muslims for disbursement under his custody. However the Imam has some good attitudes that I myself witnessed. I was to interview him last three years on the lessons of Ramadan. I decided to ambush him immediately after Asr prayer. Many have gathered around to see him for various issues but most of whom seem would want to get some financial assistance. I thought the octogenarian can not listen to me since that I joined the company of the "needy." Mall.Musa smiling asked me to come to his office that is within the premises of the mosque. I finally met him after he responded to many people that I could see he has either straight away assisted them or asked them to come back at next not necessarily scheduled time. I was told the Imam Musa's office is just like a humanitarian aid center for people looking for various assistance including employment, contracts, promotion at their various places of work etc. Imam Musa uses his contacts and influence to assist them. He was said to usually pick his cell phone and call relevant people within the corridors of power to offer assistance to people that have sought his intervention.. Recently the management of the mosque appoints three deputy Imams that can work in turns based on seniority. Apart from the two deputy Imam that are outsiders, but one of them who seems third in command Muhammad Kabir Adam is insider as he was initially an adhan (caller for prayer) before he was informally promoted by Imam Muhammad to serve as his deputy. Mall.Kabiru as is popularly known has been serving in the national mosque since late 90s. With the current development, observers have come to the conclusion that though Imam Musa is still the physical chief Imam but he was tactically or technically replaced by much younger scholars. Imam Muhammad is often heard repeating same verses that he seems more conversant with and serve as his trademark especially while leading Friday prayers. For sure many concluded that he has not memorized the full scriptures of the Holy Quran. But his composure, pronunciation of Arabic words and the general presentation of the sermon is superb and appreciated by the majority. He is charismatic, grey bearded, and dresses in simple long gown affordable to almost all masses. He is also member of the renown Sunni Izala organization as he played a vital role to the recent reunion of the two factions of Izala of Jos and Kaduna axis. Imam Musa's relationship and or affiliation to the Izala organization could not affect his credibility to lead various followers of other clerics in congregational prayer.. The three deputy Imams include Dr. Ibrahim Makari from Bayero university Kano. Ustaz Ahmad Onilewura from Oshogbo and Mallam Muhammad Kabir Adam who was an insider as mentioned.. Dr.Ibrahim Makari Dr. Ibrahim Makari is highly revered scholar especially among the Tijjaniyya Muslims in Nigeria. Product of the renown Azhar University in Egypt, Dr. Makari is now a lecturer in Bayero university Kano. He looks young, energetic and talented. Since the commissioning of the Dantata Memorial mosque in Abuja, the scholar has been presenting Ramadan tafsir in the mosque. The honor and respect by the followers or put it differently students, could not change the attitude of the pious scholar to be arrogant. Some followers sometimes make attempts to touch his kaptan or at least come closer to him to draw blessings from the personality they regarded as the fountain of knowledge and the fear of God. Dr. Makari even though has a primary constituency within the Tijjaniyya sect that follows the teachings of Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass from Kaolack Senegal, has involved himself into a larger project to unite various Muslim sects in Nigeria to work as a team. Makari in support or collaboration of highly scholar of international repute Sheriff Ibrahim Saleh and Sheikh Dahiri Usman Bauchi has convened a unity conference among the Islamic sects in Abuja and perhaps has attracted a working relationship from the Izala Sunni Organization through it's liberal national chairman Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau. Makari told me that the aim of the meeting was to draw the attention of Islamic scholars to the importance on concentrating on the general issues affecting the Muslims and the Islamic world, than to ascend to podium and continue condemning each other on disputes on the differences in the practice of Islamic jurisprudence. Infarct the Tijjaniyya Muslim community can sigh relief as one of their own has assumed the mantle of leadership at the national mosque that has the value to be seen as the Nigerian Muslims meeting point. Ustaz Ahmad Onilewura The scholar has high acceptance among the Muslim community of south western Nigeria. He serves as the symbol of propagation of Islam and also has the national recognition from the supreme council of Islamic affairs led by the Sultan of Sokoto. He is among the selected Muslims that have the approval to collect information of Ramadan and shawwal moon sighting in their constituency and deliver the message to the Sultan who as an annual tradition makes the general announcement that is aired on the national and international media. The choice of Ustaz Onilewura from the southwest could really be a wise decision in the effort to unite Muslim Ummah to work under one umbrella especially between those in the core north and the Alfas of the southwest. The southern based Islamic organizations or put it differently the Yoruba Muslim dominated groups such Nuruddeen, Ansaruddeen, Nasfat etc can feel sense of belonging with the emergence of Ustaz Onilewura as the second deputy Imam of the national mosque. Dr.Muhammad Kabir Adam Yobe born young shall grow scholar has been in the national mosque for almost two decades and served as adhan (caller for prayer) He has such a golden voice that can be equated to some adhans of the grand mosque in Mecca. This ability to posses high intonation pattern could perhaps had endeared him to the chief Imam who voluntarily promoted him to serve as deputy Imam before his official elevation recently. Muhammad Kabir who was said to have enjoyed scholarship opportunities, has utilized his privilege and studied deeply in Malaysia up to the status of doctorate degree that he successfully reported to have defended at his screening to the new post. He narrowly escaped been dropped as he could not certify the memory of the full text of the Holy Quran. Many worshippers feel gingered and wish the prayer could be prolonged whenever Mall. Kabiru leads the prayer. The reason could not be unconnected with the qualitative way he recites the verses of Quran in an emotional manner and with higher intonation pattern and the ability to adopt rising and falling tone on some syllables in the verses of the Quran. Only Kabiru can use one voice pattern during Magrib and switch to another one during Isha'i. He can actually imitate international scholars of the Quran with ease. Apart from been anointed by the chief Imam, the recent elevation to the third deputy Imam can ginger him to do even more to the worshippers. SUPPORTING IMAMS One of the Imams that was not yet recognized is Ustaz Muktar Abba who successfully memorizes the full text of the Quran. He usually leads prayer during the longer worshipping in Ramadan. Muktar who in some past years was involved in an accident and now partially limping leads prayer whenever the deputy Imam is not around or has an excuse. He is generally excellent and has such a control of his tongue while reciting the Quran. Hardly can he stammer of miss his memory. Now it is accepted that Imam Musa Muhammad is still the chief Imam; but critically and sincerely speaking many regard him as technically and tactically benched as it seems vividly that his successor may perhaps now finally emerged..
The recent installment of the three deputy Imams for the national mosque Abuja, has attracted so much anxiety and attention by worshippers that perhaps a successor to the first and longest serving Imam has emerged. Even though the chief Imam Musa Muhammad that has been among the screening panel for selecting the deputy Imams, but that was not really known or took cognizance by many commentators as it was rumored that he was removed and replaced by Dr. Ibrahim Makari from Bayero University Kano.. Imam Musa Muhammad who was also announced to have been removed last year, managed to retain his position by the intervention of some supporters from Abuja Muslim elites and perhaps some members of the national assembly. Many could not believe their eyes and ears as they attended the last Friday's prayer at the national mosque which was presided over by the same chief Imam Musa Muhammad. That really has played vital role in ending the rumor on the Imam's fate as he survives another rumor of removal .Definitely there are some officials that are opposed to the leadership style or conduct of Imam Muhammad who was usually seen visiting high profile government officials and wealthy individuals at their residences, offices and even Transcorp Hilton where naked women gather and alcohol is sold. Many would really want to see the Chief Imam restricting his movements and commit himself to the services of the mosque. Some have expressed dissatisfaction with the wealth said to have been accumulated by the scholar and several landed properties he owns in Jos the capital of Plateau state. Here is clear that those with this opinion could not also mind to find out the source of the Imam's wealth wither it was lawful or otherwise. Islam permits Muslims to accumulate wealth provided their sources are lawful. To the critics of Imam Muhammad, they regard him as so much lenient to the jurisprudence of Islam and can resort to settlement of dispute by holding unto softer stand so that various followers of sects within the Ummah can embrace him and accept his preaching. He was widely reported to have met Late President Umaru 'Yaradua when he was flown back to Nigeria from hospital in Jeddah. The scholar claimed to have spoken to 'Yaradua and even said he was getting better. Many at that time could not believe the scholar as they thought he was a sell out and that he was serving the interest of the then so called cabals. But the way things are going on now in the country have erased that criticism. Some attaches to the mosque disclosed that Imam Musa Muhammad is generous but is always willing to get lion share from the donation or alms brought by some wealthy Muslims for disbursement under his custody. However the Imam has some good attitudes that I myself witnessed. I was to interview him last three years on the lessons of Ramadan. I decided to ambush him immediately after Asr prayer. Many have gathered around to see him for various issues but most of whom seem would want to get some financial assistance. I thought the octogenarian can not listen to me since that I joined the company of the "needy." Mall.Musa smiling asked me to come to his office that is within the premises of the mosque. I finally met him after he responded to many people that I could see he has either straight away assisted them or asked them to come back at next not necessarily scheduled time. I was told the Imam Musa's office is just like a humanitarian aid center for people looking for various assistance including employment, contracts, promotion at their various places of work etc. Imam Musa uses his contacts and influence to assist them. He was said to usually pick his cell phone and call relevant people within the corridors of power to offer assistance to people that have sought his intervention.. Recently the management of the mosque appoints three deputy Imams that can work in turns based on seniority. Apart from the two deputy Imam that are outsiders, but one of them who seems third in command Muhammad Kabir Adam is insider as he was initially an adhan (caller for prayer) before he was informally promoted by Imam Muhammad to serve as his deputy. Mall.Kabiru as is popularly known has been serving in the national mosque since late 90s. With the current development, observers have come to the conclusion that though Imam Musa is still the physical chief Imam but he was tactically or technically replaced by much younger scholars. Imam Muhammad is often heard repeating same verses that he seems more conversant with and serve as his trademark especially while leading Friday prayers. For sure many concluded that he has not memorized the full scriptures of the Holy Quran. But his composure, pronunciation of Arabic words and the general presentation of the sermon is superb and appreciated by the majority. He is charismatic, grey bearded, and dresses in simple long gown affordable to almost all masses. He is also member of the renown Sunni Izala organization as he played a vital role to the recent reunion of the two factions of Izala of Jos and Kaduna axis. Imam Musa's relationship and or affiliation to the Izala organization could not affect his credibility to lead various followers of other clerics in congregational prayer.. The three deputy Imams include Dr. Ibrahim Makari from Bayero university Kano. Ustaz Ahmad Onilewura from Oshogbo and Mallam Muhammad Kabir Adam who was an insider as mentioned.. Dr.Ibrahim Makari Dr. Ibrahim Makari is highly revered scholar especially among the Tijjaniyya Muslims in Nigeria. Product of the renown Azhar University in Egypt, Dr. Makari is now a lecturer in Bayero university Kano. He looks young, energetic and talented. Since the commissioning of the Dantata Memorial mosque in Abuja, the scholar has been presenting Ramadan tafsir in the mosque. The honor and respect by the followers or put it differently students, could not change the attitude of the pious scholar to be arrogant. Some followers sometimes make attempts to touch his kaptan or at least come closer to him to draw blessings from the personality they regarded as the fountain of knowledge and the fear of God. Dr. Makari even though has a primary constituency within the Tijjaniyya sect that follows the teachings of Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass from Kaolack Senegal, has involved himself into a larger project to unite various Muslim sects in Nigeria to work as a team. Makari in support or collaboration of highly scholar of international repute Sheriff Ibrahim Saleh and Sheikh Dahiri Usman Bauchi has convened a unity conference among the Islamic sects in Abuja and perhaps has attracted a working relationship from the Izala Sunni Organization through it's liberal national chairman Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau. Makari told me that the aim of the meeting was to draw the attention of Islamic scholars to the importance on concentrating on the general issues affecting the Muslims and the Islamic world, than to ascend to podium and continue condemning each other on disputes on the differences in the practice of Islamic jurisprudence. Infarct the Tijjaniyya Muslim community can sigh relief as one of their own has assumed the mantle of leadership at the national mosque that has the value to be seen as the Nigerian Muslims meeting point. Ustaz Ahmad Onilewura The scholar has high acceptance among the Muslim community of south western Nigeria. He serves as the symbol of propagation of Islam and also has the national recognition from the supreme council of Islamic affairs led by the Sultan of Sokoto. He is among the selected Muslims that have the approval to collect information of Ramadan and shawwal moon sighting in their constituency and deliver the message to the Sultan who as an annual tradition makes the general announcement that is aired on the national and international media. The choice of Ustaz Onilewura from the southwest could really be a wise decision in the effort to unite Muslim Ummah to work under one umbrella especially between those in the core north and the Alfas of the southwest. The southern based Islamic organizations or put it differently the Yoruba Muslim dominated groups such Nuruddeen, Ansaruddeen, Nasfat etc can feel sense of belonging with the emergence of Ustaz Onilewura as the second deputy Imam of the national mosque. Dr.Muhammad Kabir Adam Yobe born young shall grow scholar has been in the national mosque for almost two decades and served as adhan (caller for prayer) He has such a golden voice that can be equated to some adhans of the grand mosque in Mecca. This ability to posses high intonation pattern could perhaps had endeared him to the chief Imam who voluntarily promoted him to serve as deputy Imam before his official elevation recently. Muhammad Kabir who was said to have enjoyed scholarship opportunities, has utilized his privilege and studied deeply in Malaysia up to the status of doctorate degree that he successfully reported to have defended at his screening to the new post. He narrowly escaped been dropped as he could not certify the memory of the full text of the Holy Quran. Many worshippers feel gingered and wish the prayer could be prolonged whenever Mall. Kabiru leads the prayer. The reason could not be unconnected with the qualitative way he recites the verses of Quran in an emotional manner and with higher intonation pattern and the ability to adopt rising and falling tone on some syllables in the verses of the Quran. Only Kabiru can use one voice pattern during Magrib and switch to another one during Isha'i. He can actually imitate international scholars of the Quran with ease. Apart from been anointed by the chief Imam, the recent elevation to the third deputy Imam can ginger him to do even more to the worshippers. SUPPORTING IMAMS One of the Imams that was not yet recognized is Ustaz Muktar Abba who successfully memorizes the full text of the Quran. He usually leads prayer during the longer worshipping in Ramadan. Muktar who in some past years was involved in an accident and now partially limping leads prayer whenever the deputy Imam is not around or has an excuse. He is generally excellent and has such a control of his tongue while reciting the Quran. Hardly can he stammer of miss his memory. Now it is accepted that Imam Musa Muhammad is still the chief Imam; but critically and sincerely speaking many regard him as technically and tactically benched as it seems vividly that his successor may perhaps now finally emerged..