President Bola Tinubu has lauded the enduring legacy of the late Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, describing him as a moral compass and advocate for religious tolerance, whose teachings and actions remain relevant in today’s Nigeria.

Mr Tinubu was represented by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, at the official launching of a new book titled “Where I Stand,” authored by the late Sheikh Abubakar Gumi.

The event, held at the Umar Musa Yar’adua Hall in Murtala Square, Kaduna, on Saturday, was attended by scholars, political leaders, and dignitaries from across the country.

Mr Tinubu, currently on a working visit abroad, conveyed his deep respect for the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), highlighting his significant role in promoting peace and moral values in Nigeria.

Mr Tinubu said, “I hold JIBWIS and similar institutions in high esteem. Under the leadership of Sheikh Bala Lau, JIBWIS continues to collaborate with government agencies to promote peace and unity in our nation. That effort is invaluable in our pursuit of national development.”

He paid glowing tributes to Sheikh Gumi, recalling him as the only Grand Kadi in Northern Nigeria and a man of exceptional wisdom and courage.

Mr Tinubu said, “Sheikh Abubakar Gumi was a towering figure who dedicated his life to interfaith harmony and religious education. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of Nigerians.’’

Mr Sani, who also served as the chief host at the occasion, recounted his family’s long-standing connection with the late Sheikh Gumi.

He stated that his personal commitment to Islamic scholarship led him to support the publication and translation of the book in a private capacity.

The governor said, “Sheikh Gumi greatly influenced my late father and my family. Supporting this book project was a way of preserving his message and sharing his wisdom with the wider public.’’

Mr Sani emphasized the importance of Islamic scholarship, tracing its roots to the early Islamic emphasis on reading and writing.

He highlighted the current administration’s prioritization of education and vocational training as a reflection of Islamic values and national needs.

The book, “Where I Stand,” was translated into Arabic language by Chairman of the JIBWIS Ulamau Committee, Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Jalingo,

Mr Jalingo said that while the book was not without minor errors, it offered valuable insights into the teachings and life of Sheikh Gumi and could serve as a guide in daily life.

He said, “It is not a divine text, but it is deeply informative. We encourage scholars to make use of this resource and continue writing their own histories to enrich Islamic knowledge.”

On his part, the National Chairman of JIBWIS Nigeria, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala-Lau, called on Mr Sani to escalate the issue of insecurity in the country to the Federal Government, urging stronger intervention to restore peace, especially in affected regions.

He stated, “We cannot ignore the security challenges. We urge our leaders to act, and we pray for lasting peace in our country.’’

The book was formally presented by a former governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, who praised Sheikh Gumi as a visionary whose works should be preserved in all major libraries for future generations.

Mr Yari said, “We must document our scholars’ legacies ourselves. Let this book reach every library in hard cover. It will educate, guide, and inspire.”

The Chief Imam of Sultan Bello Mosque, book reviewer and student of Sheikh Gumi, Dr Muhammad Bello, also emphasised the importance of preserving and translating Islamic literature.

He stated that efforts were underway to further translate the book into Arabic language to reach broader audiences.

In his remarks, a representative of the Gumi family, Sheikh Mahmud Gumi, expressed appreciation to Mr Tinubu for sending a high-level delegation and thanked Mr Sani for his personal support.

He called on the Kaduna State Government to assist in addressing the region’s growing insecurity, warning that the absence of religious leadership in conflict zones allowed the spread of ignorance and violence.

Mr Gumi said, “We need to bring knowledge to those causing harm. Many act out of ignorance. This book, and others like it, can serve as tools for reformation.’’

He emphasised the need for JIBWIS to take the lead in reaching out to misguided elements involved in violence, arguing that only through education and religious enlightenment could true peace be restored.

He added, “Let us make this a mission: to take Da’wah to those in the bush. It is ignorance, not faith, that leads people to kill in places of worship.’’

Other dignitaries at the event included a student of the late Sheikh, Sheikh Yusuf Sambo Rigachikun, who spoke on the importance of Muslim unity and cooperation.

Also speaking, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda lawal, represented by his Deputy, Mani Muminu, reaffirmed his government’s support for JIBWIS and called for prayers to end the banditry in Zamfara State and the nation at large.

The launch of “Where I Stand” marked another milestone in preserving the intellectual legacy of one of Nigeria’s most revered Islamic scholars.

Several dignitaries at the event described the book as a powerful contribution to the nation’s religious and moral education.

(NAN)