The Tijjaniyyah Islamic sect in Nigeria has officially announced the removal of the Office of Khalifa, a position previously held by former Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II.
The decision was revealed in a statement signed by Khalifa Sheikh Mahy Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse, the global leader of the Tijjaniyyah order, following ‘extensive consultations with senior scholars and stakeholders.’
Speaking on the matter, Khalifa Sheikh Mahy stated, “With the return of Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II to the Kano Emirate, it has been resolved that the Office of Khalifa within the Tijjaniyyah in Nigeria will no longer exist.”
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The leadership of the Tijjaniyyah in Nigeria will now be managed by prominent scholars, including Sheikh Tahir Usman Bauchi and Sheikh Sharif Ibrahim Saleh Al-Husaini, who are entrusted with overseeing the community’s activities. “These senior sheikhs will guide the affairs of Tijjaniyyah in Nigeria with wisdom and dedication,” the statement emphasized.
Regarding the organization of the National Mawlid celebrations, Khalifa Sheikh Mahy reaffirmed his role in collaboration with Tijjaniyyah scholars and representatives. “The leadership of the National Mawlid celebrations of Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse will remain under my stewardship, working closely with the ashyaks and muqaddams,” he said.
The statement also highlighted a significant step toward global unification within the Tijjaniyyah sect. “In our efforts to foster unity and cooperation among Tijjaniyyah sheikhs worldwide, we have established an office at the United Nations,” Khalifa Sheikh Mahy disclosed. The UN office will serve as a platform for the formation of a World Tijjaniyyah Assembly, aimed at strengthening ties and advancing the sect’s mission globally.
The announcement reflects a shift in the structure of Tijjaniyyah leadership in Nigeria, emphasizing unity and collaboration while removing the singular position of Khalifa.
Khalifa Sheikh Mahy concluded the statement with prayers, saying, “May Allah guide us in implementing these resolutions for the benefit of the Tijjaniyyah community and the Ummah at large.”
This decision comes in the wake of efforts to ensure a unified and efficient leadership structure within the Tijjaniyyah order, both in Nigeria and on a global scale.
