The Influence of Shaykh Ibrahim Niyass on His Followers in Ilorin, Nigeria.
Abstract
The article studies the influence of Shaykh Ibrahim Niyass, a Senegalese Sufi scholar, on the noteable figures of Ilorin, Nigeria. The study selects some major teachings of the Shaykh and discusses how they influence these followers. It also attempts to explain how such influence is demonstrated by these followers to determine the level of understanding of Shaykh’s followers of his teachings as well as its adaptation. The method adopted in the research is based on participatory observation and interpretation approach. In the final analysis, the findings reveal that a large number of the followers of Shaykh in the city of Ilorin, Nigeria do not only portray themselves as being influenced by the teachings of Shaykh, they also demonstrate their adoption of his teachings in various ways, without giving consideration to the school of law (i.e. Maliki school), they belong to.Publication of material in the journal means that the author assigns copyright to Islamic Studies including the rights to electronic publishing. This is, inter alia, to ensure the efficient handling of requests from third parties to reproduce articles as well as to enable wide dissemination of the published material. Authors may, however, use their material in other publications acknowledging Islamic Studies as the original place of publication. Requests by third parties for permission to reprint should be addressed to the Editor, Islamic Studies.