By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times
Katsina State is expected to receive more than four million visitors as it hosts the 40th edition of the annual Maulud celebration of the Tijjaniyyah Sufi Order (Dariqa Tijjaniyyah) in January 2026.
The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Sheikh Hadi Balarabe, made this known on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, during a press briefing held at the Munazzamatu office along Batsari Road in Katsina metropolis.
Sheikh Balarabe explained that the Maulud is organised in commemoration of the birth of Sheikh Ibrahim NIASS (RTA), a leading figure of the Tijjaniyyah Sufi Order. He noted that the event is an annual religious gathering rotated among states of the federation, adding that the 2026 edition marks the 40th anniversary of the Maulud, which has been held consecutively for four decades.
He stated that Katsina State has previously hosted the Maulud twice—first in 2002 and again in 2016—making the forthcoming event the third time the state will serve as host.
According to him, activities will formally commence on 11 January 2026 with an international Islamic seminar scheduled to last five days. The seminar is expected to attract prominent Tijjaniyyah scholars and clerics from across Nigeria, as well as participants from West Africa, North Africa and parts of Southern Africa.
“The programme is a week-long exercise and will culminate in a grand national Maulud rally on Saturday, 17 January 2026,” Sheikh Balarabe said.
He added that the grand rally will take place at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and is expected to end between 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Sheikh Balarabe further disclosed that the Local Organising Committee has established no fewer than ten sub-committees to ensure the smooth and orderly conduct of the event. These sub-committees are responsible for key areas including accommodation and welfare of guests, healthcare services, security, crowd management and overall logistics.
He assured residents and visitors that adequate measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful, well-coordinated and successful Maulud celebration.
Brief Profile of Sheikh Ibrahim NIASS (RTA)
Sheikh Ibrahim Inyass, widely known as Sheikh Ibrahim NIASS (RTA), was a renowned Islamic scholar and one of the most influential leaders of the Tijjaniyyah Sufi Order in Africa and beyond. Born in Senegal in 1900, he rose to prominence for his deep Islamic scholarship and spiritual leadership, particularly through the spread of the Fayda Tijjaniyyah.
Sheikh Ibrahim NIASS played a central role in expanding the Tijjaniyyah Order across West Africa, North Africa and other parts of the Muslim world. He was widely respected for his commitment to Islamic education, spiritual development and peaceful coexistence among communities.
He passed away in 1975, leaving behind a profound spiritual and intellectual legacy that continues to guide and inspire millions of followers across the globe.
