By Katsina Times Correspondent
Katsina | January 11, 2026
The 2026 edition of Shehu Week, an annual Islamic programme commemorating the Maulid of the eminent Tijjaniyya scholar Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse (RTA), officially commenced on Saturday in Katsina, with scholars and religious leaders calling for unity, peace, and strengthened communal ties.
The opening ceremony was held at the auditorium of the Katsina Institute of Technology and Management, attracting Islamic scholars, clerics, government officials, and followers of the Tijjaniyya order from across Katsina State and beyond.
Proceedings began with prayers led by the Chief Imam of the Katsina Central Mosque, followed by recitations from the Holy Qur’an and selected verses from the Diwan of Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse.
In his welcome address, the Katsina State Chairman of Majma’u Ahbabu, Sheikh Muhammad Hadi Balarabe, thanked participants for their attendance and reaffirmed the significance of Shehu Week in preserving the scholarly and spiritual legacy of Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse.
The National Chairman of Majma’u Ahbabu, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Sheikh Sani Auwal, later addressed the gathering, urging Tijjaniyyah adherents of the Fayda movement to uphold unity, mutual respect, and continuous prayer. He also appealed to the Federal Government to consider peace and reconciliation by facilitating the return of Sheikh Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir Zariya to his family.
Five major lectures were delivered during the first day of the programme.
The first lecture, titled “The Adherence of Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse and His Followers to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW),” was presented by Sheikh Ibrahim Attahir, representing Sheikh Sharif Ibrahim Saleh Al-Hussainiy (RTA). Scholarly commentary was provided by Sheikh Dr Muneer Sheikh Ja’afar Katsina.
The second lecture was delivered by Sayyida Sa’adatu Hudu Ingawa on “Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse’s Role in the Moral and Spiritual Development of Women,” with a review by Sayyida Zamzam Sheikh Hadi Balarabe.
In the third session, Sheikh Dr Aminu Abdullahi Sufi of Sokoto presented a lecture titled “He Is Called Shehu, But Do You Truly Know Who He Is?” while Sheikh Magaji Mahuta offered critical commentary.
The fourth lecture examined “Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse’s Struggle Against Terrorism and Religious Extremism, and His Advocacy for Security and Peace.” It was delivered by Sheikh Professor Abba Saleh Sheikh Abulfathi, with commentary by Dr Mahmud Garba.
The final lecture of the day focused on “The Use of Religious Texts as Illustrations in the Diwan of Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse, ‘Sayrul-Qalbi’.” It was presented by Sheikh Dr Abdullahi Adamu Jungudu, while Malam Ibrahim Lawal (KT) reviewed the presentation.
A book titled “Bai’a Kashniyyah,” which documents the contributions of Sheikh Colonel Ilyasu Wali to the growth of the Fayda movement in Katsina, was also presented at the event. The book was reviewed by Sheikh Ibrahim Mansur of Kaduna on behalf of the author.
The programme was attended by the Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Faruk Lawal Jobe. Also present were senior Islamic scholars, clerics, community leaders, business figures, and delegations from within and outside the state.
A goodwill message was delivered by Sheikh Usman Surunbai, representing Sheikh Khalifa Ibrahim Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi (RTA). He stressed the need for unity, brotherhood, and good conduct among Tijjaniyyah followers, noting that mutual respect remains the foundation of lasting harmony.
Observers described the opening day as successful, expressing optimism that the programme would continue peacefully until its conclusion.
The day’s activities ended with closing prayers led by Sheikh Malam Mansur of Kofar Arewa, Daura.
