Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara
Abduljabbar Nasuru Kabara | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 7, 1970 Kabara, Kano State, Nigeria |
| Occupation(s) | Islamic cleric, scholar |
| Known for | Scholarship in Qadiriyya order, Islamic debates, blasphemy conviction |
Abduljabbar Nasuru Kabara (born 7 February 1970) is a Nigerian Islamic cleric and a scholar affiliated with the Qadiriyya order, residing in Kano, Nigeria. He is the son of Nasiru Kabara, who previously led the Qadiriyya sect across West Africa, and his brother Karibullah Nasir Kabara succeeded their father in that role.
Early life
Abduljabbar was born in Kabara town within Kano State and originates from a distinguished family known for their leadership in the Qadiriyya tradition. His mother is Hajiya Hafsah Abdussamad. Following their father’s passing in 1996, his brother Qaribullahi Nasuru Kabara took over the leadership of the Qadiriyya Movement.
Education
His educational journey began at Ma'ahad School, followed by further studies at Aliya and ATC Gwale. He later pursued advanced religious education in Iraq. Abduljabbar attributes much of his knowledge to nearly 25 years of mentorship under his father.
Islamic faith
As a committed adherent and scholar of the Qadiriyya order, Abduljabbar has sustained significant influence within Nigeria’s Muslim communities, continuing the legacy established by his father.
Personal life
He is married and has children.
Islamic debate
Abduljabbar was detained by Kano State authorities after allegations of blasphemy were made against him by rival Islamic groups including Izala Society, Salafiyya, Tijaniyyah, and Qadiriyya factions. To address these claims, the government arranged a public debate on 10 July 2021 for him to substantiate his views with scriptural references.
The event featured four young sheikhs representing Izala Society, Salafiyya, Tijjaniyya, and Qadiriyya (the latter represented posthumously by Sheikh Mas'ud Mas'ud Hotoro). The session was overseen by Professor Salisu Shehu from Bayero University Kano and attended by the Commissioner for Religious Affairs.
Professor Shehu observed that Abduljabbar did not directly respond to questions posed during the debate; instead, he frequently gave unrelated answers or cited time limitations despite having assistance. Conversely, other scholars provided clear responses supported by references. The debate concluded amid controversy, leading to plans for Abduljabbar’s formal arraignment and his subsequent apology citing misunderstandings.
Criticism
Abduljabbar emerged as one of Kano State’s most contentious Muslim scholars. He faced accusations of blasphemy concerning companions of the Prophet and Prophet Muhammad himself, provoking opposition from various Nigerian Islamic clerics including members of the Izala Movement, Salafi groups, and certain Ɗarika leaders—most notably his own brother Qaribullahi Nasuru Kabara, who dismissed Abduljabbar’s fatwa as inconsistent with Qadiriyya teachings. As a result, under Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s administration, Kano State authorities shut down Abduljabbar’s mosque and prohibited him from teaching or engaging in Da'awah activities within the state.
In interviews, Abduljabbar described this ban as unfair. The state government refuted claims about demolishing his school. He consistently maintained that his interpretations were scholarly endeavors rather than acts intended to insult Islamic doctrine or Prophet Muhammad. He emphasized fostering critical thinking and deeper understanding within Islam while asserting that opponents distorted his views to provoke public outrage.
This controversy has sparked broader discussions on the boundaries of religious interpretation, freedom of expression, and conflict management within Nigeria’s religious landscape. Supporters argue that his remarks were misinterpreted and aimed at encouraging intellectual engagement rather than blasphemy. They acknowledge that although his views were unconventional, they did not justify severe punitive measures. Some scholars criticized the Sharia court ruling as excessively harsh and lacking sufficient nuance.
Prominent advocates include:
1. Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi: A leading Sufi figure who calls for peaceful resolutions to prevent divisions among Muslims. 2. Sheikh Abdulwahab Abdallah: Advocates for academic discourse instead of criminal prosecutions, highlighting normal differences in Islamic interpretation. 3. Mallam Abubakar Imam Aliyu: Suggested political motives behind the trial and urged reconsideration to avoid injustice.
Additional defenders comprise:
1. Dr. Ahmad Gumi: Supports intellectual liberty in religious discussions and opposes blasphemy charges, promoting dialogue over legal measures. 2. Sheikh Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa: Encourages resolving interpretive disputes within scholarly forums and advocates for inclusive jurisprudential approaches. 3. Professor Ibrahim Ahmad Maqari: Points out Islam’s tradition of diverse interpretations and criticizes the legal response as overly stringent.
These scholars along with civil society organizations emphasize tolerance, constructive dialogue, and safeguarding intellectual freedom within Islamic discourse.
Imprisonment
On 17 July 2021, he faced allegations of blasphemy against Muhammad and was subsequently detained. On 15 December 2022, the Kano upper Shari'a Court convicted Abduljabbar of blasphemy and sentenced him to death by hanging. As of 2024, the verdict was still undergoing the appeals process.
See also
External links
- BBC Hausa interview featuring Abduljabbar.