It is difficult to imagine a tragedy at the scale of this year’s Hajj stampede occurred without directly or indirectly affecting many. This one affects me, among many others, personally. I lost an irreplaceable mentor, a great scholar par excellence, a quintessence of humility, Professor Tijjani El Miskin. May Allah grant him and the hundreds of martyrs with him Al-Jannah ul Firdaus.
My relation with Prof. started as far back as 1994 when I was an undergraduate at the University of Maiduguri, where he taught and remained a pillar of research and community advancement throughout his life. I left the university four years later, nevertheless because of his compassionate spirit we never lost contact with each other. Many instances, he would take the lead to call me just to find out how I was doing, mainly to make sure I was up and doing with my academic developments. Prof. remained the constant referee on my cv. I will forever remain grateful to him.
My last communication with him was last year here in Saudi Arabia when he came for Umrah. We didn’t meet, but we spoke extensively on the phone, particularly recalling those peaceful days of Maiduguri before the devastation brought about by the Boko Haram insurgency.
Alongside Prof., many other bright Nigerians, such as the prominent Nigerian female journalist, Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf, breathed their last. Many lives might have been part of this tragedy, as at now, a host of individuals’ where about is yet to be authenticated. Wherever they might be Allah’s mercy is with them.
Sadly, I now lost a dear and extraordinary teacher. University of Maiduguri and Nigeria have indeed lost an exceptional beacon. Your great legacy will forever be remembered, Sir.
Lawan Dalha 