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Imam Sayed Abdus-Salam - Great American Sufi

By Rasul Miller and Samiha AbduRahman

Nov. 8, 2017

Al-Hajj Imam Sayed Abdus Salam was a pioneer in New York City's Muslim community. Born in 1942, he became involved in Harlem's local Black Nationalist scene as a teenager. As a young man, he joined the Nation of Islam. Following Malcolm X's departure from the Nation, Imam Sayed also left and attended the first meeting of Malcolm X's Muslim Mosque Inc. Subsequently, he studied Sunni Islam and frequented various NYC Mosques that were active during the 1960s, such as the International Muslim Society or '303' in Harlem and the State Mosque in Brooklyn.

Imam Sayed then lived in Guyana for a brief period, where he encountered Tasawwuf through members of the local Muslim community there.

He returned to New York and became a cofounder of the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood (MIB) in Harlem in the late 1960s. There, Imam Sayed served as the Na'ib (assistant Imam) to Shaykh Ahmed K. Tawfiq, the founding Imam of the Muslim Mosque Inc. In this capacity, Imam Sayed developed MIB's curriculum of study and oversaw the religious education of new shahadas, drawing on his exceptional errudition. In addition, he gave numerous shahadas and performed the general duties of the Imam (delivered sermons, etc) when needed.

In the later half of the 1970s, Imam Sayed left MIB on amicable terms due to what he saw as a need for the community to move in a more 'spiritual' direction. In 1978, he met Shaykh Hassan Aliou Cisse, a young Senegalese Islamic scholar and humanitarian who would go on to become his generation's most celebrated representative of the Tijani Sufi tariqa, and the spiritual guide for the largest community of Black American Sufis in the country. 

Imam Sayed became the first American man to join the Tijani tariqa and was appointed by Shaykh Hassan as the the first American muqaddam in the tariqa. Upon traveling to Medina Baye Senegal, a prominent hub for the Tijani Sufi tariqa, Imam Sayed also received an ijaza and muqaddamship from Shaykh Hassan Cisse's father, Shaykh al-Hajj Sidi Aliou Cisse, the top student, aid, and successor of the world renowned West African Muslim scholar Shaykh Ibrahim Niass (RA). Imam Sayed went on to send many of his children and grandchildren to Medina Baye to memorize the Quran and pursue Islamic scholarship -- some of whom are still studying there today.

Imam Sayed served as Imam for the Tijani community in the US for the next 40 years, teaching and promoting Islam and Tasawwuf. Imam Sayed has benefited countless people by giving them shahada, teaching them Islam, giving them the tariqah, and/or teaching them the fundamentals of tasawwuf which, for him, revolved around purifying the heart, improving one's character, and increasing one's love for the Prophet (SAW) and adherence to his Sunnah. In the mid-2000s, Imam Sayed and his wife Sister Najah Abdus-Salaam opened their home in Brooklyn to serve as a Tijani zawiyah, where members of the community have gathered each week for more than a decade for dhikr and fellowship.

Imam Sayed is survived by his wife Sister Najah, fourteen children, and many grandchildren.

May Allah grant him the highest paradise. May He forgive his sins and accept all of his good deeds. May the acts of worship and goodness offered by his children and grandchildren, and the many people that he taught, inspired, and encouraged to remember Allah and follow His straight path continue to benefit him. May the mosques and communities he helped to establish thrive and continue to serve as lights for humanity. May Allah reward Imam Sayed for fostering love for Allah and His Prophet (SAW) in the hearts of so many people, and keep him in the company of His most beloved (SAW).

-- The writers Rasul and Samiha are American Masters students and disciples of the Tariqa Tijani in Medina Baye. 

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200 Cows Donated & Distributed for Eid-ul Adha in Medina Baye

9/2/2017

The people of Medina Baye are thankful to Turkish organization IDDEF for an amazing contribution to the Eid holiday in the city of Baye Niass. The organization first contacted Shaykh Mahy Cisse last year through our #IamMedinaBaye communications team with interest in building a young adult madrassah in the city. Later they fed hundreds of people in Medina Baye for Iftar during the last 10 days of Ramadan. 

Now, for the Eid of sacrifice, the organization for the third time through Shaykh Mahy Cisse has again shown much selflessness. This time IDDEF has contributed 200 cows and yesterday they were slaughtered and distributed to hundreds of families in the Medina Baye area.  

The entire slaughter was under the leadership of Shaykh Mahy Cisse and organized by Shaykh Muhammad Babacar Konte, Oustaz Baye of AAII, Shaykh Ibrahim Mahy Cisse and covered by the MIDAF Alfityanu and #IamMedinaBaye media teams. 

Once the cows were slaughtered the meat was divided up in hundreds of 25lb bags and transported to the African American Islamic Institute in Medina Baye where thousands of men women and children lined up in hopes of receiving a portion. Tickets were distributed according to lists of names compiled by the Shaykh. In the end all listed names were able to receive meat plus an overflow of others. 

Alhumdulilah, we thank Allah for this kind donation of support by the IDDEF team during this Tabaski holiday. Many families will be fed and inshaAllah we look forward to the upcoming opening of IDDEF’s madrassa in Medina Baye and further contributions in the future. 

#IamMedinaBaye

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Sayyda Rokhaya Niass Brings Women’s Empowerment To Kaolack Politics

Editors Desk: July 10th 2017

The daughter of Khalifah General SHEIKH Ahmed Tijani Ibrahim Niass has made quite a name for herself in local politics with her party APES. She has been campaigning in support of President Macky Sall and the message in her rallies has been mostly in the upliftment of women and youth. 

She arrived yesterday around 7:30pm at the Kuer de Ville de Kaolack complex downtown. She was welcomed by an electrified crowd of thousands of women and young people in support of her political campaign and the message she brings in favor of education and other social advancements. 

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New Wifi Accessible Coffee Shop Opens In Medina Baye! 

July 7, 2017 (Editor’s Desk)

For visitors, students and residents of Medina Baye and greater Kaolack, finding a comfortable working environment with dependable wifi access used to be somewhat difficult. Not so much anymore. Located in the Radio Almadina FM building is a brand new coffee shop with a twist. This wifi cafe, appropriately named “Cafe Wifi” is an all new addition to the Give1Project Kaolack office which provides young people with professional development, career assistance, computer and language literacy classes, business incubators and more. 

Now with the addition of the new cafe, students have access to not only strong 4G wireless internet but also a creative menu of tasty hot and cold drinks, snack foods and more. 

The concept introduced by I AM MEDINA BAYE and Give1Project Directors Pape Lowe,  RJ Mahdi and Aliyah Mahdi. It was funded in part by American members of the Made In Africa Project Investors Club which aligns diasporans with investment opportunities on the African continent. 

Cafe Wifi boasts a great breakfast experience with gourmet omelets and sandwiches combined with a variety of coffees and teas. Customers are granted access to wifi and help from the Give1Project team with resume writing, business plan set up, career assistance, translation service etc. In addition, the facility plays host to events such as last week’s Give1Talks and also the Islamic Competition in the last few days of Ramadan. 

The Cafe Wifi project is among many active ventures by Mahdi Media to improve conditions and provide up to date facilities for the comfort and accommodations of international guests and students. In partnership with Almadina Radio, the new location has taken form as testament to that exact goal. Now internationals have a place to find great internet connection and delicious comfort foods in a friendly and clean environment. 

Visit Cafe Wifi today at the Almadina Radio complex and see for yourself! 

#IamMedinaBaye

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Concour Islamique Organised by AlMadina Radio

Initiated by Oustaz Gibril Gueye in honour of the family of Cheikh Mamoune Cheikh Ibrahim Niass . The competition was named after the legendary son of Cheikh Ibrahim Niass. Students were divided into eight groups from various schools and Madarassa "daaraa" as they went on competing and dropped to quarter,  semi and final. Among them were The "mahad" The Islamic institute Alhadji Abdoullahi Niass  and Daaraa Serigne Babacar Faal

These were the finalists,  they competed on various knowledges ;Quran,  Hadith, Siraa "history of the prophet S.A.W., Fikh " Islamic Theology ,  and Culture focused on the life of Cheikh Mamoune Cheikh Ibrahim Niass rta ,  his life and activities. It was presided over by several of Sheikh Ibrahim’s ‘s grandchildren including Sayyda Mbodja Mamour Niass and Sheikh Baye Ahdi Niass.

Finally The Mahad " Institute Islamic Alhadji Abdoulaye Niass won the competition with loads of prizes and token amount of money. Alhamdulilah it was a successful event with blessed people presented. MashaAllah may we witness many many more to come InshaAllah.

Article by Sayyda Mariam Lo for #IamMedinaBaye

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Medina Baye Welcomes the President of Gambia!! {FULL STORY w/ PHOTOS} #IamMedinaBaye

3/3/2017

During a brief tour of spiritual cities and leaders in Senegal and Gambia, newly elected President Adama Barrow of The Gambia stopped by Medina Baye yesterday evening just after Asr salat. His helicopter landed at the Kaolack Stadium awaited by high ranking members of the Senegalese military and members of the presse. 

There was also about a ten vehicle delegation sent by the Khalifah General from Medina Baye waiting for Barrow’s arrival and to escort him to the Khalifah’s home. 

Upon arrival of the convey in Medina Baye, students of the local schools and members of the Niass family including Shaykh Muhammad Mahy Niass awaited at the door of Papa Cheikh’s house waving two sided SeneGambia flags and reciting Qasida and various zikrs in true Medina Baye fashion. 

When President Barrow emerged from his vehicle the crowd cheered and chanted, welcoming him to our city and shouted praises to him for his brave and historic victory over former President Jammeh. He was immediately greeted by the sons and grandsons of Shaykh Ibrahim Niass and welcomed inside the Khalifah’s residence. 

Inside, the Khalifah General Cheikh Ahmed Tijani Niass embraced Barrow with a hug and the two sat for a short chat. Sheikh Mahy Niass and others addressed the Gambian President with encouraging words and thanked him for taking time to visit our city. Mr Barrow then himself spoke about the connection between Senegal and Gambia and the support he has gotten from the Senegalese population during these past difficult months. 

Lastly we heard from the Khalif who again spoke highly of the new President and spoke of how Gambia and Senegal are two states with the same population. He gifted Barrow with a new prayer rug, a Quran and a beautifully designed clock with Arabic calligraphy on it. 

The visit was attended by dozens of members of the NIass family, the local government administration and the international press. Barrow visited for just under an hour and was back in his convey headed to the Stadium for his helicopter departure. 

[iammedinabaye]

🌾🍃🍂📜📿📜🍂🍃🌾 "“You are not just a drop💧 in the ocean🌊, you are the mighty ocean🌊 in the drop💧.” 🎁🛍 TREASURE🛍🎁 🔮🔑📿🚪📿🗝🔮 Someone🚶🏽who does not run🏃🏽 toward the allure of love💓 walks🚶🏽a road where nothing lives......〰" Listen with ears👂🏽 of tolerance! See through the eyes👀 of compassion! Speak with the language of love"❤ 💞💞Alhamdulilah💞💞

🌹💐My Beloved💐🌹

🌷🌷S.Mariaem.Baye.Lô🌷🌷 Jummah🌴Mubarak

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The International Influence of the Faydah Tijani!! 

By: Abdou Coundoul

The Fayda was founded by Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse in 1929 – 1930, which was a period of turmoil and world crisis, it was a Fayda that was much awaited by the whole world, it is something that Baye Niasse brought for every human on earth so that everyone can have an opening to Divine Knowledge because people today need Divine Knowledge more than anything, that is what Baye knew and that is why he shared it with everyone, he put people on the right path, give them the Tarbiyya and finally help us attain our utmost goal which is get to know Allah.

 Since he is sent by Allah and that Allah told Prophet Muhammad (saw) in the Quran “Wama arsalnaka illa kaffatan lilnnasi basheeran wanatheeran walakinna akthara alnnasi la yaAAlamoona” Ch 34 Ayat 28, "And We have not sent you except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all Mankind, but most of mankind know not." Baye knew instantly that the message of Allah does not limit itself to only Senegal, which is when he decided to start his journey around the world, to a multitude of people, cultures and beliefs, to have a conversation with them in their own language and tell them what exactly is the Fayda and what it has brought.

 People immediately understood the message and accepted it in masses. That can be considered as a big impact on the international community because we can see that whoever accepted Baye has never taken a step back which shows us that what he brought has a positive effect on the people. After he founded Medina Baye in 1930 and after his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1937, the one that would be called Sheikh Al Islam was quickly known in the whole of Senegal and around the world, not only by the diversity of the knowledge he had but also by his implication in everything that involved humans on earth. Baye has travelled all over the world during his lifetime, England, Belgium, Indonesia, China, Pakistan, Latin Americas, Middle Eastern countries (Yemen, Saudi Arabia etc.) to name just a few places  where Baye Niasse has disciples who adhered to the Fayda.

 During his travels, he of course also met with world leaders and influential people of different communities like Gamal Abdel Nasser, Kwame Nkrumah; he even went to China when Senegal had no diplomatic relations with them.  More than forty million (40,000,000) have converted to Islam to date because of him, in Ghana Baye Niasse converted in one day forty thousand (40,000) people who were idol worshipers. We should all try our best to make this Fayda more know through the media, through good communication, through social networks, to tell the people that this Fayda is not just a question of religion but something that is here for everyone, to give the people what they are really looking for; freedom, independence, to feel liberated from the veils that are hiding the reality of Allah.

 It is a Fayda that is beneficial to every human, that is why the people who understood it at the early stage have given in to the Fayda and have since then been living in a state of internal peace, have a very well balanced life in all its sense (spiritually, social, personal), peace of mind, pure and light filled hearts, a healthy spirit and healthy body, all this is thanks to the Fayda Tijanya, which Mawlana Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse brought. As a disciple of Mawlana Sheikh Ibrahim, what do we have to contribute? The only thing we can do today is to see ways that can make the message be known to the most people possible. 

-Sidi Abdou Coundoul

 #IamMedinaBaye

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Ivy League and HBCU Students Hold Exclusive Class at AAII Medina Baye

#IamMedinaBaye Staff: 2/17/17

Its been said that traveling is the best way to learn. Experiencing the world in it’s entirety and diversity is an education far more effective than without. Apparently the 23 students led by Dr. Mansa Bilal King agreed. The students were selected to spend a semester abroad studying various subject and course majors. Their 17 week semester consists of a month in each Senegal, Italy and China. The students, mostly from Yale, Spelman and Morehouse visit various cities and in particular spiritual sites researching the Islamic marabouts and their murids. During the trip they sat down and received a powerful and informational lecture from their Professor at the African American Islamic Institute.

Here in Medina Baye they were hosted by our #IamMedinaBaye team including Sayyda Kubra Askari Cisse, RJ and Aliyah Mahdi, Muhammad Ali and others. The students were given a tour of Baye City as they asked questions and took notes for their research. Dr King and only one other student were Muslim, but the entire group was completely engulfed in the spiritual attraction of the city as well as the history of Sheikh Ibrahim Niass. 

After visiting the Grande Mosque and rouda of the Sheikhs the visiting grad students were fully interested in learning more about the Tariqqa Tijani and the Fayda Ibrahima. The group also paid visit to Clinic Shifa Asqam, built by the late Imam Hassan Cisse and American Dr. Khadija Askari Cisse. The facility staff met with the students to talk about things like healthcare costs, pharmaceuticals and operating procedures. Likewise at the African American Islamic Institute. The group met with school administration, visited classes and discussed the education system before hearing both Quran and Arabic school students recite Quran. 

Lastly the group sat down for exclusive lectures in the new AAII building built by Sayyda Kubra Askari Cisse. The large bright classrooms were the perfect setting for the instructor, Dr. Mansa Bilal King to give an in-depth analysis of the ancient West African kingdoms and the influence of Islam. In a later conversation Dr. King explained the following:

“We ended this talk by walking through several of the major polities established by Muslim reform and rebellion movements in the period after the fall of Songhay....And after that, it becomes noteworthy that the single largest spreader of tariqa Tijani was Ibrahim Niass, whose family was from a traditional lower strata occupational/endogamous group (blacksmiths). And after that, one notices that the rise of the Tijaniyya and the Muridiyya ends the domination of the Qadiriyya in the region. The Qadiriyya is 1,000 years old, started in Iraq, and was spread into the region through light-skinned Arab-dominated Mauretania (a land noted for both a high level of scholarship AND enduring anti-dark skin stigma...a big puzzle that I would like to resolve on day). The Tijaniyya is just over 200 years old, and starts in North Africa (likely among rather chocolate North Africans at that, but the incontrovertible evidence still needs to be marshaled and published). The Muridiyya is THE ONLY tariqa started from the very beginning by an unquestionably dark Black African Wali of Allah. And the Murids have had a meteoric rise since the community was established in the 1880s. So, the reform movements are also connected to a reordering of tariqa dominance in West Africa. NOTE: I do not engage in debates about which tariqa is "better" or whose Shaykh is the {holiest}. I engage in the analysis of changing structures of wealth, power, and status.”

Dr. Mansa Bilal King is a Professor at Morehouse College with a PHD in Sociology out of John Hopkins and D.C. HBCU, Howard University. He later posted the above photo on his Facebook page stating:

Medina Baay was an amazing part of our trip. The students fell DEEPly in love with the people and the place. Their understanding of Islam, and the role of sufism within the tradition was expanded much. Dr. Kubra, Bro RJ Mahdi (on my left in the pic), Bro. Muhammad Ali (on my right in the pic), and so many others made us feel welcomed and loved.

Their openness and sincerity cannot be overstated! Their love for Allah's giving the world Baay Niass and his beloved family, students, and city was oozing through the pores.

#IamMedinaBaye

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Dealing with your Spouse's Habits The Muslim Way!! 

I feel that a very important marriage tip – applicable for everyone already in the club, but especially for the newlyweds and the “soon-to-be-married”s – is the issue of dealing with your spouse’s “habits” or “traits”. It’s not often people mention this, but it’s a life-saving tip that can really make a difference to make our marriages happier and more meaningful. Or at least save ourselves from a whole ton of drama.

Getting married will mean you will spend the most private hours of your lives together – and that usually means uncovering a skeleton or two on the true nature of your spouse’s “bad habits” or “bad character traits” – habits which you’d never would have known before tying the knot. And many a times, these ‘habits’ can be quite a shocker as you “never expected him/her to be like that” Sometimes, these habits are just annoying, but sometimes they can lead to serious clashes and rifts between the spouse, as they learn to live and cope with the newfound misalignment.

So here are some quick tips which can help :

1. It’s starts with you. You’re not perfect either. As much as you are discovering the other side of your spouse’s nature, so is your own true nature being unlocked - And you’re no angel, either. So use this as a means to take the firm resolve to change for the better, for the greater good. So don’t startup a shooting range, and if you get feedback, don’t get defensive, don’t get argumentative or antagonizing.

2. Invest in your relationship The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “خَيْرُكُمْ خَيْرُكُمْ لأَهْلِهِ وَأَنَا خَيْرُكُمْ لأَهْلِي” "The best of you is the one who is best to his family (especially to his wives), and I am the best of you to my family." (Sunan ibn Majah, graded hasan)

Make the conscious effort to be the best buddy to your spouse. As the saying goes, “you can only sell to friends” – and a “sincere well-wishing friend” is far more effective, trusted, and beloved than a “nagging spouse”.

Best buddies always accommodate each other, and their feedback will always be appreciated. A nagging spouse… ehhh…

3. For Allah’s sake, don’t tell others*

Take those gossip temptations and chuck it out the window. Making fun of your spouse or exposing their personal faults is no joke. Likewise, concealing your spouse’s faults is a great deed.

The Prophet said, "‏ كُلُّ أُمَّتِي مُعَافًى إِلاَّ الْمُجَاهِرِينَ "All the sins of my followers will be forgiven except those of the Mujahirin (those who commit a sin openly or disclose their sins to the people).” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

"‏ لاَ يَسْتُرُ عَبْدٌ عَبْدًا فِي الدُّنْيَا إِلاَّ سَتَرَهُ اللَّهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ ‏" “The servant (who conceals) the faults of others in this world, Allah would conceal his faults on the Day of Resurrection.” (Narrated by Muslim)

*exceptions may apply, e.g. getting sincere advice

4. Differentiate the habit type

Some habits are haram (e.g. cursing, smoking, revealing clothing, being ‘easy’ with others from opposite gender, pornography), but some are plain annoying or makruh (e.g. perpetually browsing through facebook, whatsapp or the all-important smart phone, not cleaning up the dishes after meals, spending hours on entertainment), and some might be undesirable/unlikeable personal traits which might lead to worse things – e.g. bad temper, procrastinating habit, impunctuality, insensitivity.

Prioritize which ones are the more serious areas of concern, and focus on those. Marriage is a long-term commitment : so work it out systematically, one step at a time, and don’t amp up the drama more than necessary.

5. Don’t be so drama: Be Patient…

They are called “habits”, after all. Change takes time, use wisdom and gentleness. Allah commanded Prophet Moses to speak to Fir’awn (Pharaoh) in a gentle and soft manner (Chapter Ta Ha 20: Verse 43-44). So if the worst tyrant in the history of mankind should be advised with kindness and gentleness, how about your lifetime partner? (FYI: no, your spouse is not worse than Fir’awn. Don’t be so drama.)

So speak to each other in the best of manners and with wisdom.

The Prophet ﷺ said

"‏ إِنَّ الرِّفْقَ لاَ يَكُونُ فِي شَىْءٍ إِلاَّ زَانَهُ وَلاَ يُنْزَعُ مِنْ شَىْءٍ إِلاَّ شَانَهُ ‏" “Whenever gentleness is added to something, it beautifies it; and whenever it (gentleness) is removed from something, it makes it defective”

"‏ مَنْ يُحْرَمِ الرِّفْقَ يُحْرَمِ الْخَيْرَ ‏"‏ “He who is deprived of forebearance and gentleness is, in fact, deprived of all good” (Sahih Muslim)

"‏ إِنَّ اللَّهَ رَفِيقٌ يُحِبُّ الرِّفْقَ وَيُعْطِي عَلَيْهِ مَا لاَ يُعْطِي عَلَى الْعُنْفِ ‏" “Allah is gentle, likes gentleness, and gives for gentleness what he does not give for harshness.” (Narrated by Abu Dawud, classified sahih by Al-Albani)

6. .. but at the same time, don’t be negligent

If your spouse (or yourself) has serious negative habits, then don’t shrug it off in the name of “keeping the relationship” – if a bad habit needs fixing, fix it. Sure, do it with wisdom, kindness, gentleness, take your time, etc – but fix it, and don’t get yourself “numb” to non-conformances.

Always remember that it is better to acknowledge our mistakes rather than find justifications to make it “okay”. At least acknowledgement will give us the drive to improve. If you are articulate enough, you can justify anything - but it doesn't necessarily make it correct.

7. Develop together Getting back to the first point: Work to fix YOUR own weaknesses and shortcomings first, and stay dedicated and focused towards it. It will induce – perhaps even inspire – your spouse to change for the better, and make him/her realize the need for change. And if it doesn’t – at least YOU are now a better husband/father/wife/mother – and if one major player in the management team improves, that’s already a great achievement.

Remember : “Allah will not change the state of a nation until they (first) change what is in themselves” (Chapter ar-Ra’d 13: verse 11) and, that "Whoever starts a good tradition which is followed, then for him is a reward, and the likes of their rewards of whoever follows him, there being nothing diminished from their rewards" (Narrated by At-Tirmidzi, graded sahih)

Marriage is a partnership, a tag-team, a management team that will be the centralized leadership when the little ones will come some day. It requires both parties have that same resolve to work towards righteousness. When Allah commands the nation as a whole to “وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ ۖ”- “Help each other towards righteousness” (Chapter Al-Maidah 5: verse 2), it starts with the building blocks of society : the parents.

And that is why, in the first place, as advised by the Prophet, the basis of our marriage compatibility, should be on the basis of our “deen” (our religion and way of life): our values – simply put, if we “answer to the same boss” or “are trying to Please the same One”, that will allow us to focus on the big picture solution and our place in this world.

Hope others will find this useful and spread the word. May Allah make us amongst those who are best towards their spouse, amin..

[iammedinabaye]

(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2aKb9u9Dxk)

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Humanitarian Efforts at Gamou in Medina Baye

Mustafa Ousseynou Niass a son of Papa Ousseynou Niass and a grand son of Sheikh Ibrahima Niass (RTA) is a philanthropist who follows his grand father’s steps with a great humanitarian organization that helps out poor people. This started three years ago composed of 8 leaders according to Madam Cissé the one in charge of the health care. Their seat is in Sacre Coeur, Dakar. Every year during Gamou, in front of Papa Ousseynou Niass's house, they give free breakfast and free lunch. People stay row by row to receive there eatings and also medical assistance for unhealthy people that came for Gamou.

-Ahmad Bassoum

Watch our full Gamou video here with footage of the humanitarian efforts. 

[iammedinabaye]

Do not walk proudly on the earth; your feet cannot tear apart the earth nor are you as tall as the mountains.

Qur’an, 17:37 (via poeticislam)

[iammedinabaye]

Intervention of Sheikh Mahy Cisse on the "Withdrawal of Street Children"

RE-EDITED FOR CLARITY

A child who lives on the street and a child who goes to the Madrassa who begs are not the same. First of all we must deal with the case of adults in full possession of their physical and mental faculty who are able to go to work and who find themselves begging. We educators do not encourage begging. If we had the capability we would ensure that no one begs. 

 Today we discuss the topic of the Madrassas but it is important to make the distinction between these schools and begging. In our time there is confusion between the foundations upon which the Quranic schools were based and the manner in which they operate today. Some teachers from the Madrassas teach their students and send them to beg due to the lack of means necessary for them live, here we are talking about the Madrassas of today. However in Medina Baye, I don’t know any Quranic schools other than those built by the descendants of the first inhabitants. 

Here, all the Quranic schools are modern and if we look at the example of  the school of Shaykh Wuld Rabbani where we were all been trained even the late Imam Hassan Cisse, we never begged, in fact (as children) we envied the students of other schools who were doing it. So we have modern Quranic schools that were founded here in Medina Baye thanks to Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse (ra). All the other schools of Medina were inspired by this (model) and none of them could send their students to beg in the streets. They are very modern and provide a very good education. 

In our time (if we wanted extra money) we would eat our food and we would sell the rest of the food. A person who roams the streets can’t participate in the development of a nation that they are a part of either child or adult. What is the origin of this situation? The real problem is that right and not to capture the children of the street.  If the government wants to eradicate the problem of begging, they must first know that these people (teachers and students) who have chosen to teach or study the Quran are real citizens. The authorities must devote a substantial part of the budget allocated to education Senegal to the Quranic schools with competent teachers. Every year these subsidised schools should be subject to control auditing in order to certify that education is of a certain quality and that the conditions of life are correct. This way they can be better framed to help them more. 

Since the government don’t build any Quranic schools and don’t pay the teachers who teach there, of course, the same government can’t manage these Quranic schools. Why is the management of French schools better? Because they were built for successive governments since the colonial era at the time of President Senghor until our days. Every government in power has a goal set for the construction of a number of schools and teachers are paid by the state. No government has built a Quranic school nor pays their educator, so what right does he have to look at their management? If they had built Quranic schools and took care of the health of the leaders they would know and be able to identify them. If the children of these schools who beg were subsidized by the state the authorities will be able to ask questions and crack down if necessary. 

Developed countries never leave their children begging. In The United States if a child is not attending school they are placed under the guardianship of the country and sent to school. If, however, we make note of children not enrolled in the schools and subsequently we replace in schools, me, I don’t see any inconvenience. However, if the authorities come across a child enrolled in a Quranic school and send him to a centre so he can learn a new trade, then the authorities have imposed a future upon this child even though his father has already chosen his future path. 

A child whose society is of any assistance to him should get to know what conditions he lives in first before they impose a future upon him. This is the truth! They talk about Quranic schools without having frequented them, without knowing exactly what they really are, without knowing where the Quran teachers are from or where they are located. The state must know, paying great attention to detail what conditions the Quranic schools are in. 

In Senegal, you can’t stop the people from learning the Quran. During the colonial era, Sheikh Al Hajj Abdoulaye Niass (Father of Sheikh Ibrahim Niass) had disputes with the colonial powers and had to go into exile in the Gambia for ten years to teach the Quran to his children because the colonial authority exercised his dominance but today everyone is free. We need to find solutions to help the Quranic schools instead of capturing children, this is not a viable solution. We know very well the Quranic schools, we lived there and we continue to see more Quran teachers. 

I can name more than twenty Quranic schools founded by descendants of the founders of Medina Baye and none of its boarders have to beg. Allah provides assistance to Islam and to the Senegalese people! Today we are witnessing a world in total perdition because of a bad parenting. The Quranic schools have no means but they continue to teach children who are not less likely to become terrorists. We must be more concerned about these Islamic schools who need help so that the children can benefit from an education bequeathed by our forefathers; an Islam which combines all the world, who tolerates all the world and finally who loves peace for everybody . 

 It is this Islam we have inherited that deserves to be protected. We must also take heed of the place of the students and the people who teach them otherwise everything can be taken from them. Unfortunately this is what happened in Nigeria with Boko Haram and all these terrorist organizations who commit atrocities and crimes all over the world in the name of Islam. 

Senegal has always escaped and we can continue to escape it if we are vigilant in our education whilst helping the Quran teachers. We need to preserve our Quranic schools and values that are advocated and we need the government to be galvanized by this fact until there are no more beggars, we pray to God to provide them with his help. Because this is our dearest wish. May Allah guarantee his blessing to the authorities of the republic and the push to work on this that brings good in Senegal.

-Sheikh Mohammad al mahy aliou cissé Translation dad ablaye baldé

Re-edited for clarity by Sukina Douglass

[iammedinabaye]

President Macky Sall’s Visit to Medina Baye Encourages Residents to VOTE YES!

Last night around 9pm and after a long day of anticipation, President of the Republic of Senegal, His Excellency Mr Macky SALL arrives at the home of Khalifah General Sheikh Ahmed Tijani Niass in Medina Baye and is greeted by Papa Mahy Niass, Papa Macky Niass, Shaykh Abdul-Malick Niass, Papa Qurayshi Niass and others!!

The visit was part of the President’s campaign to get citizens to vote Yes on the upcoming March 20th Referendum which defines new laws of the President’s term limits as well as 15 points of other important national issues such as gay marriage, a point which His Excellency is not in support of. Macky Sall arrived under heavy police and security protection waving to residents from the sunroof of his Toyota SUV and eventually exiting the truck at the home of the Khalifah were he was met by loud applause from rooftops and chants of “Macky! Macky! Macky!”

Onboard with President Sall’s campaign to vote yes is also politician Abdoulaye Muntahka Niass as well as the Khalifah’s daughter Sayyda Rohkaya Niass seen below campaigning through the streets of Medina Baye just before the arrival of the President.

The President is expected to revisit Medina Baye this morning March 17th around 10am to visit the site of the Khalifah General’s newly built guesthouse known as Keur Gungi, a large modern building with 64 units available to his visiting international guests.

This marks the President’s second trip to the Kaolack area in the past year. The last trip he came to announce the dedication of an upcoming University in Kaolack to Shaykh Ibrahim Niass. A university said to be built in the Saloum region with projections of being the largest university in Africa. On that trip Macky Sall also brought with him dozens of mini buses that are now used to carry commuters around the city helping with local transportation and commerce.

Article and Photos by RJ Mahdi of #IamMedinaBaye

www.IamMedinaBaye.com

[iammedinabaye]

Local Darajis Under Rehabilitation Near Medina Baye!!

Disciples of Medina Baye are always looking for ways to improve the conditions of the city and and its students and visitors. Alhajji Baboucarr Sadip Bobb and Balla Musa Bajaha are no different. Although traveling internationally the two have partnered to reconstruct several Daraji in the Medina Baye area particularly the Darahkmati community near the new guesthouse built recently by Khalifah General Sheikh Ahmed Tijani Niass.

“The schools were both in poor condition” says Baboucarr Sadip Bobb, “and we feel as if it is our responsibility to do something to help.” One of the Darajis was recently completed with fresh new tile interior and and all that remains to be constructed are the school’s outdoor toilet facilities which have already began.

The other is little more than a wooden tent with a fence and a small interior room for students to sleep. The condition is startling but now with assistance from the donors it will be soon turned into a fine place to learn.

Muezzin Thierno Ahmadou Diallo took us to show us the school expressing his concern as it was the same Daraji in which he became Hafiz Al-Quran at the age of 10. Now working together with Baboucarr Bopp he hopes to be here to see it rehabilitated and able to accommodate more students.

InshaAllah may Allah bless the efforts of those involved in the development process!

[iammedinabaye]

All In A Medina Baye Month!! (Recap)

Its been quite a busy month in the city of our spiritual father and as usual we at #IamMedinaBaye have been along for much of the ride. We start with Shaykh Mahy Cisse who after receiving his brand new guests from Ottawa Canada, and after spending a week in Dakar was wisked away to Mecca for his annual Hajj. It was a especially touching Hajj season in Mecca as several severe accidents led to the death of hundreds in the Holy City. Our beloved Shaykh Muhammadou Mahy Cisse and Khalifah General Ahmed Tijani Niass were both enroute to Mecca at the time of the accident and both were able to miss the horrifying events that led to a somber outpouring of solidarity on the internet from Muslims around the world. Both of our Shaykhs were able to successfully make Hajj along with their delegations who were all safe from harm.

As the Pilgrimage comes to an end here in Medina Baye the people were in Tabaski mode. Thousands of sheep, rams, and cows poured into the city and we celebrated the Eid of Sacrifice under the leadership of Imam Shaykh Tijani Cisse who gave an outstanding khutbah on the importance of the Eid and the history of the celebration. By that Eid morning Papa Shaykh was back home and in attendance along with Papa Ousseynou Niass, AbduMalick Niass, Papa Sidi Niass, Baye Mbaye Cisse, Imam Modu Cisse and many many more!

The second day of Eid was incredible as South African NGO “Gift of the Givers” delivered, slaughtered and donated over 170 bulls to local Medina Baye families. The organization visited Cosi Atlanta and other neighboring villages to deliver the meat to needy families and met with local Quran schools who also received much of the meat for their students.

Unfortunately during the Eid weekend there were plans to release episode 1 of the second season of our “I AM MEDINA BAYE” docu-series but was postponed due to production issues. The series features exclusive footage and interviews from dozens of events in Medina Baye and on the road with the Shaykhs in Dakar, The Gambia and more! Partnered with Al-Fayda TV for this second season the upcoming 10 episodes are sure to educate and inspire people with the message of the Tijani scholars and the people who study under them.

One thing that has been going well for the #IamMedinaBaye Project is our newest program partnering with local businesses to build our Kaolack Directory in efforts to help our international guests find the products and services they need in and around Kaolack. Already partnered with Kahone’s Hotel Adjana, downtown’s Blue Bird Restaurant and several electronic and home supplies business so far and our teams are working daily to develop more connections and options by bridging the gap for our guests and students. The directory is still under construction but you can still view it online at our website www.IamMedinaBaye.com

Thanks for reading up on the recap of the past Month in Medina Baye!

-RJ Mahdi