Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, who passed away on November 26, 2025, was born in June 1927 (1st Muharram 1346H). A Fulani from both Bauchi and Gombe states, he traced his lineage entirely to Fulani ancestors.
He credited his early Islamic education and introduction to the Tijaniyya Sufi order to his father, Alhaji Usman.
Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, at a chat during his lifetime in Bauchi, he said under his father’s guidance, Sheikh Bauchi memorized the Quran and traveled widely to deepen his Islamic knowledge.
He began teaching tafseer (Quranic interpretation) around 1950, attributing much of his spiritual growth to blessings received through the Tijaniyya Sufi order.
He narrated that:
“I had my basic Islamic education under the tutelage of my father until I committed the complete Quran to memory. He was the one who initiated me to the Tijjaniya Sufi order. My father was initiated to Tijjaniya through one Alhaji Gwani Abba. Thereafter, he permitted me to traverse anywhere in the world in advancing my Islamic theology, as well as the memorisation of the Holy Quran.
“My father, Alhaji Usman, a son to Alhaji Adamu, had also committed the complete Quran to memory. My mother’s name is Hajiya Maryam.
“I went all over the world and Allah facilitated me in proficiency in Quranic recitation that some people label me as Gwani (equivalent to professorship) while some even went further to say I am Gangaran (akin to emeritus) in the field of committing the Quran to memory.
“Afterwards, my father again asked me to go about the earth for extensive theology; then I came to Bauchi. When I delved into theology, though with paucity knowledge, the Faila (the flood) of Sheikh Ibrahim Kaulaha was introduced. Before then, my father was an expediter/facilitator in the Tijjaniya Sufi order, who was facilitated into the order through the line of Sheikh Umarul Futi from one Muhammadu Ghali. So, after we got enlisted into the Faila of Sheikh Inyass, every move of my life must have some smidgeons to the Sheikh. Alhamdulillahi, I have gotten countless blessings in his affairs. I started holding tafseer sessions around 1950.”
He became highly respected in Quranic recitation, theology, and the mystical aspects of Islam.
Family, Legacy, and Expertise
Sheikh Bauchi married in 1948 and nurtured children who memorized the Quran at young ages. Beyond family, he emphasized devotion to prayer, remembrance of Allah, and spiritual discipline.
He was recognized internationally for his expertise in Quran, Tafseer, Ma’arifa, Hadith, Arabic grammar, and Islamic jurisprudence, earning multiple awards, honorary doctorates, and the national honor of OFR for his lifelong contributions.
