Sulaiman Musa

Early Life and Background

Sheikh Sulaiman Musa was born on March 15, 1952, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, into a family with a long lineage of Islamic scholars and community leaders. His early childhood was steeped in the rich intellectual and spiritual traditions of northern Nigeria. From a very young age, he displayed an exceptional aptitude for memorization and a keen interest in religious studies. His parents, Malam Yusuf Musa, a respected Quranic teacher, and Hajia Amina Yusuf, instilled in him strong values of piety, humility, and service to humanity. The family home was a hub of learning, frequently visited by local imams, scholars, and students, exposing young Sulaiman to diverse perspectives within Islamic thought. He began his foundational Islamic education at a tender age, memorizing the Holy Quran under the tutelage of his father and other local Quranic masters, completing his initial memorization by the age of twelve.

Education

Sheikh Sulaiman Musa's educational journey was a blend of traditional Islamic scholarship and modern academic pursuits. After mastering the Quran, he enrolled in the local traditional 'makaranta' (Quranic school) system, where he studied classical Arabic grammar (Nahw), morphology (Sarf), Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh, primarily Maliki school), Hadith, and Tafsir (Quranic exegesis). He spent several years studying with renowned scholars in Zaria and Kano, deepening his understanding of the Islamic sciences. Notable among his early teachers were Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, under whom he studied advanced Hadith and Fiqh, and Ustadh Ibrahim Muhammad, who guided him through classical Arabic literature and rhetoric.

Recognizing the importance of modern education, Sheikh Musa pursued secular studies concurrently. He attended Barewa College, Zaria, one of Nigeria's most prestigious secondary schools, graduating with distinction in 1970. He then gained admission to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Islamic Studies with a First-Class Honours in 1974. His academic excellence earned him a scholarship to Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, a leading institution of Islamic learning globally. At Al-Azhar, he specialized in Usul al-Fiqh (Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence) and Comparative Fiqh, completing his Master's degree in 1978 and subsequently a Ph.D. in Islamic Law in 1982. His doctoral thesis, titled "The Evolution of Maliki Jurisprudence in West Africa: A Comparative Analysis of Contemporary Legal Challenges," received critical acclaim for its originality and depth.

Career

Upon returning to Nigeria in 1982, Sheikh Sulaiman Musa embarked on a distinguished career dedicated to education, religious leadership, and community service. He joined the Department of Islamic Studies at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, as a lecturer, rapidly ascending through the academic ranks. He became a Senior Lecturer in 1985, an Associate Professor in 1990, and a full Professor of Islamic Law in 1995. During his tenure at ABU, he mentored countless students, many of whom went on to become prominent scholars and leaders themselves. His research focused on contemporary applications of Islamic law, interfaith relations, and socio-economic development from an Islamic perspective.

Beyond academia, Sheikh Musa was deeply involved in national religious affairs. He served as a member of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Board from 1988 to 1992, overseeing the welfare of Hajj pilgrims. In 1998, he was appointed to the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Nigeria's highest Islamic body, serving initially as the Secretary-General of its Fatwa Committee. His sagacity and profound knowledge quickly established him as a leading voice within the Council. In 2005, he was unanimously elected as the Grand Mufti of the NSCIA, a position he continues to hold, providing spiritual guidance and legal opinions to millions of Nigerian Muslims. In this capacity, he advises the government on religious matters, arbitrates disputes, and issues fatwas on complex issues affecting the Muslim community. He also served as the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Interfaith Harmony and National Cohesion from 2010 to 2014, a critical role in a religiously diverse nation.

Major Achievements

Sheikh Sulaiman Musa's career is replete with significant achievements. As Grand Mufti, he spearheaded several initiatives aimed at promoting peace and unity. He is widely credited for his instrumental role in establishing the 'Nigerian Centre for Interfaith Dialogue and Peacebuilding' in 2008, an institution dedicated to fostering understanding and cooperation between Muslims and Christians. Under his leadership, the NSCIA launched national literacy campaigns in rural areas, integrating both Islamic and secular education. He was also a key architect of the 'Islamic Banking and Finance Initiative' in Nigeria, advocating for ethical financial practices compliant with Sharia principles. His published works, including "Islamic Law and Contemporary Nigerian Society" (1997) and "The Imperatives of Interfaith Harmony in a Pluralistic Society" (2009), are foundational texts in Nigerian Islamic scholarship. He successfully mediated several ethno-religious conflicts in various states, notably the Kaduna crisis of 2000 and the Plateau unrest in 2004, earning him respect as a peacemaker. He also oversaw the modernization of Islamic education curricula in several states, integrating critical thinking and contemporary sciences.

Personal Life

Sheikh Sulaiman Musa is known for his simple lifestyle, humility, and dedication to his family. He is married to Hajia Fatima Sulaiman and they have five children: three sons and two daughters. His children have largely followed in his footsteps, pursuing careers in academia, law, and medicine, while also being deeply involved in community service. Despite his demanding public roles, Sheikh Musa is known to dedicate significant time to personal spiritual reflection, reading, and spending time with his family. He maintains a private library containing thousands of rare Islamic manuscripts and contemporary academic texts. He is also an avid supporter of local football clubs and enjoys engaging in intellectual discussions with younger scholars.

Legacy

Sheikh Sulaiman Musa's legacy is multifaceted. He will be remembered as a visionary scholar who bridged traditional Islamic learning with modern academic rigor, a compassionate leader who tirelessly championed interfaith harmony, and a committed advocate for social justice and educational empowerment. His efforts have significantly contributed to the stability and religious tolerance in Nigeria. Through his scholarship, leadership, and peace-building efforts, he has inspired a generation of Nigerian Muslims and non-Muslims alike to pursue knowledge, promote understanding, and work towards a more peaceful and equitable society. His institutions, particularly the Nigerian Centre for Interfaith Dialogue and Peacebuilding, continue to serve as vital platforms for promoting national cohesion and religious understanding, ensuring his influence endures for decades to come.