Modou Cham is the accountant at the Bakoteh Fish Market and Ice Plant, a project funded by the African Development Bank (ADB) and the Gambian government. He is a staunch follower of Bai Niass. Read below our interview with the University of The Gambia graduate:

What’s On-Gambia: When did you join the Niassen Movement?

Cham:First of all, I greet in the name of Allah, and before I start, I say: Bismi Allahi Alrrahmani Alreemhi because this is an Islamic discussion.

It is not the Niassen Movement; the correct name to use for your information is Fadilatou Sheikh Al Islam Elh. Ibrahim Abdullah Niass.

I joined the Fadilatou Sheikh Al Islam Elh. Ibrahim Abdullah Niass from birth and I will die in it.

What is Fadilatou Sheikh Al Islam Elh. Ibrahim Abdullah Niass all about?

The Fadilatou Sheikh Al Islam Elh. Ibrahim Abdullah Niass is based on three principles:

-          Asking Allah for forgiveness (astaghfirullah). It is forbidden for a Muslim to stop his brother in Islam from saying astaghfirullah. None of us are infallible.

-          The second principle is to say la ilaha illallah, “There is nothing worthy of worship but God.”

-          The third principle is Salat ‘ala Nabi. The offering of prayers upon the Prophet. Allah has ordered believers to offer prayers upon the Prophet just as He has himself done together with His angels, (Qur’an, 33:56).

What is the relationship between the Tijāniyya movement and Fadilatou Sheikh Al Islam Elh. Ibrahim Abdullah Niass?

The members of The Fadilatou Sheikh Al Islam Elh. Ibrahim Abdullah Niass are all Tijaniyya. Fadilatou Sheikh Al Islam Elh. Ibrahim Abdullah Niass is under the Tijānī Sufi Order, often referred to as Tareeqat al-Tijjaniyyaa.

Is it accepted in Islam to glorify an ordinary human being?

No, we the Fadilatou Sheikh Al Islam Elh. Ibrahim Abdullah Niass followers are not glorifying but paying respect to Sheikh Al Islam Elh. Ibrahim Abdullah Niass.  In every knowledge there is a source. If you want to know the teachings of the Holy Quran and Sunnah of Prophet (S.A.W), you must go through the teachings of the Tareeqat al-Tijjaniyyaa. The Prophet (S.A.W) says in a Hadith, “The best of you is he who learns the Quran and teaches others”. 

What is your response to critics who think it is very un-Islamic to glorify scholars like Bai Nyass?

They don’t know much. Whoever thinks it is very un-Islamic to pay respect to scholars like Bai Nyass is un-Islamic himself. Go and read for better understanding of the Holy Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet (S.A.W).

How big is the Fadilatou Sheikh Al Islam Elh. Ibrahim Abdullah Niass in The Gambia?

The Tareeqat al-Tijjaniyyaa is the largest Islamic Movement in West Africa. In this regard, I can also say, the Fadilatou Sheikh Al Islam Elh. Ibrahim Abdullah Niass is the largest Islamic Movement in The Gambia.

How often do you meet?

We only meet for Islamic related issues or activities i.e. weekly Dairas, Annual Islamic Conferences and Annual Gamos. 

How has your belief in Bai Nyass impacted your life? 

I am very pleased to answer this question. I really thank Allah for being part of this Islamic movement. It is not easy to be part of the Fadilatou Sheikh Al Islam Elh. Ibrahim Abdullah Niass. It is a blessing really. You will not know what I am telling you today.

Any final Words?

I thank Allah for giving me the time, capacity and health to answer your questions. I don’t know much about Sheikh Al Islam Elh. Ibrahim Abdullah Niass.  I should have directed you to some people for better answers.

Long live Fadilatou Sheikh Al Islam Elh. Ibrahim Abdullah!

Long live The Tareeqat al-Tijjaniyya!