The advent of the new media which many people call social media has greatly influenced all spheres of human endeavour. It has been a tool serious establishments use to promote offerings to the world. Islamic scholars in Nigeria are not left behind in this new innovation brought by the social media. They have over the few years become so prominent on social media as they propagate the message of Islam to a wide and largely diversified audience. Video clips of their activities and programme trend and generate views and reactions from viewers. Many of them have turned celebrities on the social media space and become highly influential. They are known far and wide beyond their original base. City people JAMIU ABUBAKAR identifies few of the many top Islamic scholars that are making waves on the various social media platforms. Read and enjoy!
SHEIKH (DR.) SULAIMAN FARUQ ONIKIJIPA (OON) ALMISKINU BILAHI
An Islamic scholar who has a huge presence on the social media is Sheikh (Dr.) Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa (OON), Al-miskinubilahi. The Lagos based Islamic Scholar who was born in Ilorin, the seat of Islamic Scholarship holds the title of the grand mufti of the Ilorin emirate. He has been around for a while, fully engaged in Islamic propagation through teaching, preaching, enlightenment, counselling, reading, jumat sermons. He is popularly known to be accustomed with his annual Ramadan Lectures which are televised worldwide, and networking with other organizations for Islamic and Religious propagation, with peace keeping worldwide. His vision is a corrupt free society where all groups live together in peace coupled with the mission to enhance spiritual awareness through intellectual and moral teaching.
MUDEER MARKAZ
Sheikh Habeebullah Adam Al-Ilory, Mudeer Markaz is a prominent Islamic Scholar who is very prominent on the social media scene. His lecture series enjoy lots of viewership and followership. Being the Director of Markaz Arabic and Islamic training institute in Agege Lagos, he uses the official page of the renowned Arabic institution to propagate Islam, clarifying controversial issues and misconceptions about the deen.
SHEIKH MUYIDEEN AJANI BELLO
Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello needs no further introduction. He is a grand Islamic scholar Muslims don’t joke with. He has been around for over 5 decades in the propagation of the message of Islam. He is well known across the country. Few months ago, The Supreme Council for Islamic Preachers, Southwest, Nigeria under the leadership of Sheikh Taofeek Akewugbagold, turbaned the fearless Islamic scholar, Alhaji Muyideen Ajani Bello as the Sulthonil Waa’izeen (King of preachers) in Yorubaland. Even at over 80, he is still very active in Dawah (Islamic preaching). Any of his lecture series always goes viral whenever it hits the social media scene. He is known for saying things the way it should and never shy away from hitting bad leaders hard in his lectures. He also uses his sermons to address the social ills and decadence bedevilling human existence.
IMAM OFFA
Another Islamic Scholar who enjoys a huge presence on the social media scene is the Chief Imam Offa, Sheikh Muyideen Hussein. He is a charismatic and gifted cleric whose oratory prowess is top notch. He is among those making waves in Nigeria. He occupies the highly revered position of the Imam of Offaland, a prominent town located in Kwara State. His influence extends beyond religious circles, as he is often called upon by Nigeria’s elite to officiate important life events, such as marriages. Netizens always link up with Chief Imam Offa through his official Instagram account @imamoffa, where he shares insights, teachings, and glimpses into his life beyond the pulpit.
SHEIK-IMRAN ABDUL MAJEED ELEHA
Sheik-Imran Abdul Majeed Eleha is an Islamic Scholar whose lecture series trend on the social scene. He is the Chief Imam of Daaru Na’im Central Mosque. Many Muslims categorize Sheikh Imran Eleha, as one of the finest and intellectually balanced contemporary Islamic scholars whose lecture delivery is sound and focuses on preaching the pristine and undiluted Islamic practice as practiced by Prophet Muhammad.
SHEIKH TAOFEEK AKEUGBAGOLD
This popular Ibadan cleric, Sheik Taofeek Akeugbagold is the presenter of Akeugbagold half-hour, a wave making radio programme in Ibadan which has been listened to all over the country and beyond thanks to the social media platforms. Whenever any piece of lectures series from Sheikh Akeugbagold hits the social media space, it always goes viral and people enjoy his brand of lectures.
SHEIKH LABEEB LAGBAJI
The Ilorin-born Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Labeeb Lagbaji also known as the Lion of Agbaji is another Islamic preacher who is presently trending in the social media space. He is a very strong personality on the social media. His stand on trending issues is always commendable and this has endeared him to netizens who look forward to hearing his views on topical discussions.
ALHAJI. AHMAD OLANREWAJU
AL-FULANNY
Alhaji. Ahmad Olanrewaju Al- Fulanny, is the CEO of Sebilu Nnajat, a popular Islamic programme held during the month of Ramadan. Al- Fulanny is an Islamic cleric loved by many celebrities as they usually use him as a point of contact in reaching out to the less privileged in the society. He’s one of the Islamic clerics who have huge presence and are highly influential on social media. He is best referred to as a celebrity Alfa.
SHEIKH MUKHTAR AHMAD BUHARI
Sheikh Ahmad Ibrahim Bukhari Al-Mukhtar is a celebrity Islamic cleric who stands out among his contemporaries. He is doing a lot in changing the narrative about how Islam is perceived by enlightening the Muslim community. His innovative approach to spreading the teachings of Islam has not only made a profound impact locally but has also garnered global recognition. Sheikh Al- Mukhtar has wholeheartedly embraced the power of social media as a potent tool for communication and outreach. Recognising its immense potential to reach a wider audience, he has utilised these platforms to promote Islam and advocate for the teachings of Prophet Mohammed (SAW) with profound impact and influence. Renowned as the founder of the Al-Huda Al-Mukhtariyyah International Prayer Mission and Muhammad Rosulullah Global Family, Sheikh Al- Mukhtar has garnered a substantial following, especially among the burgeoning young Muslim demographic. His charismatic leadership and compassionate nature have endeared him to many, earning him the esteemed title of Al-Huda Al-Mukhtar.
SHEIKH ARIBIDESI
Sheikh Abdulfattah Abdulraheem Aribidesi, is an Islamic scholar who is enjoying the social media presence right now. His brand of lecture series usually come with recitation of highly inspiring and thought-provoking poetry exposition. Also making waves under his tutelage is a promising young lady whose name is Hajia Hauwa, fondly called ‘Iya Nurse’. Listening to Alfa Aribidesi who combines well with Iya Nurse, is always exciting. Netizens love to view their contents and share with their friends, relatives and people around them. Sheikh Aribidesi who is an Ilorin based scholar now gets invites to deliver lectures at many top Islamic events.
SHEIKH JAMIU AMI OLOHUN
The real name of this popular Islamic Scholar, Ami Olohun is Jamie Ajadi Sanusi. The Kishi-born young man is known for lectures which have a knack for parables to illustrate and drive home his messages. He is a scholar whose followers are spread all over the social media. They enjoy watching him deliver lectures and admonition at events.
SHEIKH ABUBAKRI ISSAH OLAYINKA
AKA BABA OTE.
Talk about an Islamic scholar, well known as rocking the social media with his brand of lecture delivery and Sheikh Abubakri Issah Olayinka aka Baba Ote comes to mind. He is also called Saiful Qodiriyah. His lectures come with lots of witty statements pointing to the realities of life and its intricacies. He is no doubt fun to watch. No wonder, his followers enjoy sharing any of his lectures on social media. He is also the choice of many celebrities when they need to invite Islamic scholars to their event. He always lightens up the mood at events.
Other high profiled Islamic Scholar who are also using the social media space to propagate Islam are not limited to the likes of Imam of Ogbomosho, Sheikh Teliat Yunus Olushina Ayilara II, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Adeyanju of Nadwah, Sheikh Sirajudeen Asukuna, Sheikh AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef aka Hon. Yepe, Sheikh Adangba, Sheikh Jamiu Adegunwa, Sheikh Yusuf Adepoju of ACADIP, Dr. Sharafadeen Gbadebo and many others.
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