By Usman Umar Girei
Historic Juma’at Mosque, Maulid Celebration and New Zawiya Unveiled as Clerics Preach Unity, Education and Peace
ABBA MURKE, JERA BONYO WARD, Girei Local Government — Renowned Islamic scholar, Modibbo Hamman Joda Bata, has emphatically declared that Islam is the religion of Allah and belongs to no single ethnic group, race or individual, calling for renewed unity among Muslims and peaceful coexistence with adherents of other faiths.
The cleric made the declaration during the commissioning of a newly built Juma’at Mosque, alongside a colourful Maulid celebration and the establishment of a new Zawiya, led by Khalifa Modibbo Ibrahim Daware (Sayyadi Muhammad Bashir), at Abba Murke in Jera Bonyo Ward of Adamawa State.
Addressing a large congregation of scholars, traditional leaders and faithful, Modibbo Bata reflected on the deep-rooted history of harmony among ethnic groups in the area, particularly between the Bata, Fulani and Yungur peoples. He recalled how early interactions — including non-Muslim Bata communities lending festive attire to Muslim neighbours during Sallah — helped pave the way for the acceptance and spread of Islam.
“Islam is for all mankind,” he stressed. “It is neither owned by a tribe nor confined to a people. This wrong perception must end.”
In a notable stride toward inclusive propagation, the scholar revealed that he now preaches Islam in the Bata language, ensuring broader understanding and grassroots engagement.
He used the occasion to offer prayers for enduring peace, unity and development in Adamawa State and Nigeria at large.
Also speaking, the leader of the occasion, Khalifa Modibbo Ibrahim Daware (Sayyadi Muhammad Bashir), admonished Muslims to fear Allah in all their dealings, remain united, respect Islamic scholars (Ulama) and honour people of other faiths as a pathway to strengthening Islam and societal cohesion. He further urged parents and guardians to invest heavily in the education of their wards as a legacy for the future.
Prayers were offered for the sustainability of the Maulid celebration and the newly established Zawiya, while special supplications were made for Sheikh Ibrahim Daware, asking Allah to grant him Aljannatul Firdausi in recognition of his enduring legacy. Participants were also charged to ensure the proper maintenance of the newly commissioned mosque.
In his remarks, Modibbo Babangida Ibrahim Daware expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for witnessing the historic event and called on the Muslim Ummah to embrace peace wherever they reside. He enumerated the late Sheikh Ibrahim Daware’s lifetime contributions, including the construction of dozens of Juma’at mosques, extensive da’awah activities, establishment of Zawiyas, organisation of Maulid celebrations, and the propagation of Islam within and beyond Nigeria.
Dignitaries at the event included Barade Adamawa, Dangaladiman Girei Alhaji Abdulrahman Raji, Modibbo Bappa Inyas, Modibbo Muhammadu Ngurore, Modibbo Ahmadu Wuro Daudu, and Sheikh Abubakar Barikin Sayejo, among others.
Highlights of the occasion featured melodious Islamic songs, Qur’anic recitations, soul-lifting sermons and fervent prayers for development, peace and unity across the North-East and the nation at large.
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