THE WAY OF MERCY & MODERATION: SHEIKH ADAM ABDULLAHI AL-ILORY

THEY CLAIM... (ZA'AMUNI)

{Both a Salafi and a Sufi: The Way of Mercy and Moderation}

 

Culled from the Arabic book;

"The Role of Tasawwuf, Sufis and the North African Maliki Salafis in West Africa"

 

By: Shaykh Adam Abdullahi al-Ilory (of Ilorin, Nigeria, d. 1993, may Allah be pleased with his soul)

 

Translated by: Imam Muhammad Adeyinka Mendes

 

People claim that I am a sufi (practitioner of tasawwuf). I respond, "Yes, I am a sufi as long as tasawwuf refers to knowledge, action, compassion, spiritual ecstasy, orthodox belief, and Divinely inspired knowledge. I am a sufi as long as tasawwuf is but an elaboration of Ihsan (inner goodness & excellence), the third part of the true path completed by Islam (outward practice) and Iman (faith).

 

"I am a sufi as long as tasawwuf indicates the purification of the soul with mandated acts of obedience to God accompanied by voluntary acts performed seeking Divine proximity. I am a sufi as long as tasawwuf means struggling to overcome the ego and emigrating from sin, due to the saying of Prophet Muhammad (God bless and grant peace to him and his family): 'The true emigrant is the one who emigrates from sin and the true warrior is the one who battles against base desires.'

 

"I am a sufi as long as tasawwuf means indifference to what is with people and yearning for that which is with God. And I am a sufi only if tasawwuf signifies the unveiling of unseen realities and inspired knowledge of God the Creator.

 

"I am a sufi that is both Qadiri and Tijani because my father was Qadiri and I completed my religious studies at the hand of the Qadiri Master Shaykh Adam Nam'aji of Kano. However, I began my studies with two masters who were both Tijani, Shaykh Salih Muhammad al-Awwal (Alfa Esiniobiwa) the Preacher and Shaykh Umar Agbaji the Imam (God have mercy upon them all)."

 

 

On the contrary, there are some people who claim that I am a salafi (strict follower of the earliest Muslims). I respond, "Yes, I am a salafi as long as salafiyya indicates taking as a model and following the earliest Muslim generations, due to the saying of Prophet Muhammad (God bless and grant peace to him and his family):'The best of generations is mine, then those who follow them, then those who follow them.'

 

"I am a salafi only if salafiyya signifies inviting others to adhere to the Book of God and the lifestyle of Prophet Muhammad (God bless and grant peace to him and his family) without denigrating or condemning anyone!

"I am a salafi without wielding a stick against anyone from amongst the earlier or later Muslim community.

 

"And I am a salafi as long as salafiyya refers to holding to the Sacred Law with practices based on what is flexible and evolving rather than that which is rigid and narrow."

 

This is the tolerance that we learned from our mothers, fathers, and spiritual guides.

 

2008, Adeyinka Mendes. All Rights Reserved.

(Translated by Imam Adeyinka Mendes from the Arabic book "The Role of Tasawwuf, Sufis, and the North African Maliki Salafis in West Africa" by the great scholar and master of our time, Shaykh Adam Abdallah of Ilorin, Nigeria, d. 1993, may God be pleased with his soul)

 

Shaykh Adam Abdullahi al-Ilory recount his Sufi Affiliation in a public lecture: DOWNLOAD AUDIO

WATCH VIDEO:

 

SUFI BOOKS BY/ON SHAYKH IBRAHIM NIASSE AND THE TIJANI TARIQAH (AVAILABLE FOR SALE)

1. Vessel of Spiritual Flood, Translation of Goran Faydah by Shaykh Balarabe Haroon Jega - (Translated by Khalifah Awwal Baba Taofiq) 

 

2. Rihlat Konakriyah (A trip to Conakry), Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse - (Translated by Khalifah Awwal Baba Taofiq)

3. Shariah and Haqeeqah: In the Light of the Qur'an and the Prophetic Traditions (Compiled by Khalifah Awwal Baba Taofiq)

4. The Icon of Mystics: Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse Al-Kawlakhy (Compiled by Khalifah Awwal Baba Taofiq)

5. Dala'ilu l khairat of Shaikh Sulaiman Jazuli (Arabic text, Translation, Transliteration by Imam Marooph Raji)

6. Hizbu Sayfi & Hizbul Mughni (Arabic text, Translation, Transliteration by Imam Marooph Raji)

7. Hizbul Bahri (Arabic text, Translation, Transliteration by Imam Marooph Raji)

8. Kano Conferences (Majlis Kano) and the khutba titled (Hadiqat al-Anwar fii ma ihtawa alayhi qawaaid al-Islam minal hikam wal asrar) - (Translated by Sayyidah Bilqis Grillo)

9. Katsina and Kaduna Conferences (Jadhbul ahbab ila hadrat Rabbil arbab) and Mecca Conference - (Translated by Sayyidah Bilqis Grillo)

10. A Brief Biography of the Shaykh al-Islam Ibrahim Niasse (Compiled by Sayyidah Bilqis Grillo)

11. Risalat at-Tawbah (Epistle of Repentance) of Shaykh Ibrahim Niyass al-Kawlakhi" – (Translation & Commentary by Dr. Razzaq Solagberu)

12. Islamic Law of Inheritance, by Sayyid Ali ibn Abubakar al-Muthanna ibn Abdullah Niasse (Translated by Dr. Sulaiman Shittu)

13. Muassasah Nasr al-'ilm Int. (AAII) Magazines No. 13, 14 & 15 (with Articles like Outline of Life of Sufi Heros & Heroines like Shaikh Ibrahim Niasse, Shaikh Abdus-Salam Oniwiridi Pakata, Shaikh Muhammad Bello Eleha, Shaikh Ahmad Rufa'i Nda Salati, and others...this magazines also features other interesting Articles).

14. Numerous “English” Sufism & Tijaniyyah Tariqah E-books/Journals/Articles (soft copies - to be sent via email)

15. Numerous “Arabic” Sufism & Tijaniyyah Tariqah E-books/Journals/Articles (soft copies - to be sent via email)

To order for copies, contact;
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SHEIKH ADAM ABDULLAH AL-ILORY (RA)

SHEIKH ADAM ABDULLAH AL-ILORY (RA): HIS SUFI AND SCHOLARSHIP STATUS

Sheikh Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory (1917- 1992) Was Honored By Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt in 1989. His scholarly work is widespread throughout Nigeria, North Africa, Middle East, and South East Asia. His students and many other scholars have further spread his work in the west. Among many other things, he was an Erudite Jurist, Linguist and Historian
---via: http://sheikhadamabdullahal-ilory.blogspot.com/2009/08/al-ilorys-message.html

SHEIKH ADAM ABDULLAH AL~ILORY’S SUFISM AND LEARNING JOURNEY: REPORTED SPEECH

via: Sheikh Adam Abdullah Al~Iloory’s Lecture during the Mawlid celebration gathering for the Mystic, Sheikh Ahmad Rufaa’ee Nda Salaatee.

watch video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-Y5IBMaiKQ

“My father was a Qaadiriyya Sufi. I started learning the Qur’aan from him. I also started Ilimee (Islamic Sciences) with him, after which I studied under the tutelage of Alfa Esin who was a Tijaaniyah. I learnt with Alfa Umar (Imam of Agbaji, Ilorin) who was a Tijaaniyah. I finished/concluded studies with Sheikhg Adam Namaajy who was a Qaadiriyah.

Alfa Salman Ake was the first to initiate me into the Qaadiriyah, after which I took it from Alfa Nda Salaatee, I also took form Alfa Adam Namaajii (Kano). I took it from the Gabas (East). I took from Shehu Naasir Kabara (Kano), I also got initiated (in the Qaadiriyah branch) of Shehu Uthman dan Fodio (Al~Fuudawiyyah).

I became Khaleefah (of Sufi Order) through Shehu Malik Shabdabu ‘in’ Kishajamu: {which consists of; Naqshabandiyyah, Junaydiyyah, Shaadhiliyyah, Marjaniyyah and Qadiriyyah}.

But (my role) in teaching people Islamic Knowledge (kewuu) pulled me back/made me retrogress (in the khilaafah of the spiritual paths), the reason for this is: If one upholds the Tareeqah/Spiritual path, one caters for his Self/Soul (Personal Salvation), and he wont be able to cater for others.”

NOTE: Spiritual Salvation/Journey is a personal one, which entails Jihad an~Nafs (Striving against the Lower~Self/Ego). It is very important to have a Shaykh al~Waseel (Guidance Shaykh), but the implementation of all his/her teachings in the journey strongly depends on the individual courage, discipline and sincerity of the mureed/seeker to reach the pristine destination of being soaked in one’s creator. May Allah make easy for us the journey and grant us the courage, discipline and sincerity to arrive our divine destination with Salaam/Peace/Shalom, Ameen…….

THE ICON OF KNOWLEDGE AND PRISTINE SUFI OF NIGERIA: SHEIKH ADAM ABDULLAH AL~ILOORY

He was the founder of Centre for Arabic and Islamic Eduaction (Markaz Ta’alim al Arabiy wa l Islaamiy), Agege, Lagos, Nigeria.

Sheikh Adam possessed all kinds of emulating character which includes: Bravery, Articulation Outspokenness, Politeness, Tolerance, Independence of view (Sheik Abdul Wahab Zubair Al~Gamawy).
----http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Raymoneto/Algamawiy-_a_fervent_lover_of_knowledge


“Shaykh Adam was a master of the Arabic language, a prolific writer, educator, and community leader. He has scores of books written in Arabic on Ta'rikh (history), Fiqh (jurisprudence), Aqida (Creed), Tasawwuf (Sufism/Islamic Mysicism), lugha (Linguistics), ilm al-hadith (Science of Hadith), tarbiya (Education/Instruction),… anthropology, etc and he never went through any formal schooling. He learned the traditional way from his teachers in the towns and villages of Nigeria. The k-12 school he established in Agege, Lagos revolutionized Islamic education in West Africa and continues to produce Imams (Leaders), da'is (Proselytisers), and scholars of deep knowledge and excellent character…”---{Shaykh Muhammad Adeyinka Mendes}

He wrote a book titled: ("The Role of Tasawwuf, Sufis, and the North African Maliki Salafis in West Africa", Translated by Shaykh Muhammad Adeyinka Mendes from the Arabic book) in which he clarified his stance on the Pristine Sufism and Pristine Salafism. Shaykh Muhammad Adeynka Mendes said about the book: “The book (The Role of Tasawwuf, Sufis, and the North African Maliki Salafis in West Africa) is quite small in size but pregnant with the spirit of openmindedness and balance that the Shaykh was respected and renowned for during his blessed life.”
Below are the Translations of Shaykh Muhamma Adeyinka Mendes from Shaykh Adam Abdullah’s book mentioned above:

THE PRISTINE SUFISM AND PRISTINE SALAFISM

Shaykh Adam (God be pleased with him) says, "Some of the orientalists mistakenly considered me...from the Wahhabi Hanbalis [due to the Shaykh's campaign for reviving the Sunnah and abandoning innovation]...and then others imagined I was a Qadiri or Tijani Sufi, the reality is that I am a Muhammadi Muslim who follows every Imam that is a Muhammadi Muslim."

"People claim that I am a sufi (practitioner of tasawwuf). I respond, "Yes, I am a sufi as long as tasawwuf refers to knowledge, action, compassion, spiritual ecstasy, orthodox belief, and Divinely inspired knowledge. I am a sufi as long as tasawwuf is but an elaboration of Ihsan (inner goodness & excellence), the third part of the true path completed by Islam (outward practice) and Iman (faith).”

"I am a sufi as long as tasawwuf indicates the purification of the soul with mandated acts of obedience to God accompanied by voluntary acts performed seeking Divine proximity. I am a sufi as long as tasawwuf means struggling to overcome the ego and emigrating from sin, due to the saying of Prophet Muhammad (God bless and grant peace to him and his family): 'The true emigrant is the one who emigrates from sin and the true warrior is the one who battles against base desires.'

"I am a sufi as long as tasawwuf means indifference to what is with people and yearning for that which is with God. And I am a sufi only if tasawwuf signifies the unveiling of unseen realities and inspired knowledge of God the Creator.

"I am a sufi that is both Qadiri and Tijani because my father was Qadiri and I completed my religious studies at the hand of the Qadiri Master Shaykh Adam Nam'aji of Kano. However, I began my studies with two masters who were both Tijani, Shaykh Salih Muhammad al-Awwal the Preacher and Shaykh Umar al-Abaji the Imam (God have mercy upon them all)."

On the contrary, there are some people who claim that I am a salafi (strict follower of the earliest Muslims). I respond, "Yes, I am a salafi as long as salafiyya indicates taking as a model and following the earliest Muslim generations, due to the saying of Prophet Muhammad (God bless and grant peace to him and his family):'The best of generations is mine, then those who follow them, then those who follow them.'

"I am a salafi only if salafiyya signifies inviting others to adhere to the Book of God and the lifestyle of Prophet Muhammad (God bless and grant peace to him and his family) without denigrating or condemning anyone!

"I am a salafi without wielding a stick against anyone from amongst the earlier or later Muslim community.

"And I am a salafi as long as salafiyya refers to holding to the Sacred Law with practices based on what is flexible and evolving rather than that which is rigid and narrow."

This is the tolerance that we learned from our mothers, fathers, and spiritual guides.

May Allah grant us all the barakah that illuminates from his scholarship and wilaayah/sainthood. May Allah be with and safeguard for us his khaleepha and Mudeer of Markaz Ta’alim al Arabiy, Agege, Lagos, Nigeria. Ameen!!!

REFERENCES

~ Shaykh Muhammad Adeyinka Mendes (2008): ‘Both a Salafi and a Sufi: The Way of Mercy and Moderation ….THEY CLAIM... (ZA'AMUNI) by Shaykh Adam Abdullahi al-Ilory (of Ilorin, Nigeria, d. 1993, may God be pleased with his soul)…... (Translated by Adeyinka Mendes from the Arabic book "The Role of Tasawwuf, Sufis, and the North African Maliki Salafis in West Africa" by the great scholar and master of our time, Shaykh Adam Abdallah of Ilorin, Nigeria, d. 1993, may God be pleased with his soul)……via: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=43311667329

~ Sheikh Adam Abdullah Al~Iloory’s Lecture during the Mawlid celebration gathering for the Mystic, Sheikh Ahmad Rufaa’ee Nda Salaatee. via: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-Y5IBMaiKQ

~Blog site dedicated to ‘Sheikh Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory (RA)’---http://sheikhadamabdullahal/-ilory.blogspot.com/2009/08/al-ilorys-message.html

~Pictures downloaded via: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tribute-to-Sheikh-Adam-Abdullah-Al-Alory/189670628208