Prominent Nigerian Islamic scholar Professor Sheikh Muhammad Sani Umar Rijiyar Lemo has completed a decade-long teaching of the classical Hadith collection Sunan Abu Dawud, marking what many scholars and students describe as a significant milestone in Islamic scholarship in Nigeria.
The completion ceremony attracted Islamic scholars, academics and students from different parts of the country, many of whom gathered to witness the conclusion of the extensive lesson series.
Sunan Abu Dawud is one of the six major collections of Hadith, collectively known as the Kutub al-Sittah (The Six Canonical Books) in Sunni Islam.
Compiled by Abu Dawud al-Sijistani, the collection contains thousands of narrations of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) covering acts of worship, Islamic jurisprudence, social relations, ethics and other aspects of Muslim life.
According to participants, Sheikh Rijiyar Lemo spent approximately 10 years explaining and teaching the contents of the renowned Hadith compilation to scholars and students.
Observers at the event noted that many respected Islamic scholars, including university lecturers, professors, doctors and researchers in Islamic studies, regularly travelled from different states to Kano to attend the lessons.
Some participants reportedly stayed in hotels during the teaching sessions to ensure they did not miss the lectures, reflecting the high regard for Sheikh Rijiyar Lemo’s scholarship in the field of Hadith studies.
The gathering also highlighted the tradition of lifelong learning in Islamic scholarship, where even senior academics continue to study under recognised specialists.
Following the completion of Sunan Abu Dawud, Sheikh Rijiyar Lemo introduced a new work authored by himself titled “Naylul Maqsud bi Khatmi Sunani al-Imam Abi Dawud.”
The book is expected to serve as a companion text for scholars and students seeking further understanding of the completion of Sunan Abu Dawud and its scholarly discussions.
Supporters and students described the achievement as another testament to Sheikh Rijiyar Lemo’s contribution to Hadith scholarship in Nigeria and beyond.
Some attendees expressed the view that he is among the leading contemporary Hadith scholars on the African continent, citing his years of teaching, research and mentorship.
The event concluded with prayers for Allah to grant the scholar good health, long life and abundant rewards for his service to Islamic knowledge and the education of future generations of scholars.
