Quick Facts
Biography
Sheikh Dahiru Usman (born 28 June 1927) is a Nigerian Islamic Scholar. He is among the leaders of the Islamic Sufi group known as the Tijjaniya in Nigeria.
Early life
Usman was born in East Gombe at Northern Region, Nigeria. His parents were from Bauchi in east Gombe. His maternal roots are from Gombe. Usman was born during the 1346 Hijra, (Gregorian calendar: June 28, 1927). As a youth Usman, studied the Holy Qur’an under the tutelage of his father Alhaji Usman. His father taught him the Holy Qur’an. Eventually he learned to recite the entire Qur’an from memory as could his father. He received the Tijjaniya, Tariqah. His father was a Muqaddam (Imam), who was granted authorization (ijazah) for Tijaniyya. Usman is deputy chair of the Fatwa Committee of the Supreme Council Of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) in Nigeria.
The renowned Islamic scholar, who is at 90's with more than 62 children married the daughter of Senegalese scholar and Tijjaniya, caliph, Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse. Sheikh Baba Laminu Niasse of Kaolack, Senegal, officiated the marriage in Ibrahim Niasse, Mosque Senegal.
Sheikh Dahiru was arrested in Saudi Arabia, by Saudi's securities when performing his pilgrimage, the cause of the arrest was the doctrinal war between the three major Nigerian Islamic groups, Darika, Izala, and Shi'ah, that characterized this year's Ramadan preaching.
Shi'a killings
Usman blamed the 2015 Zaria massacre on Nigerian authorities.