Sheikh Sa’id Hammajam: End of a noteworthy era

Sheikh Hammajam, the sixth Chief Imam of the Jos Central mosque died after a protracted illness at the Crescent Medical Centre, Jos. His death was described by many as a greatest loss. Born to the family of Judge Hammajam and Malama Ai’shatu in 1913 in Wuba village of Hong local government area of Adamawa State, […]

Sheikh Hammajam, the sixth Chief Imam of the Jos Central mosque died after a protracted illness at the Crescent Medical Centre, Jos. His death was described by many as a greatest loss.

Born to the family of Judge Hammajam and Malama Ai’shatu in 1913 in Wuba village of Hong local government area of Adamawa State, Sa’id Hammajam was raised in an Islamic academic home where his father, Alkali Hammajam (as he was referred to), a Shari’a court judge ensured that late Sheikh Hammajam pursued an Islamic scholarship after discovering the intelligence bestowed on his son.

Because of his zeal to impart knowledge on the younger generation, the deceased who despite his old age had held classes for his students prior to his death through the traditional Karatun Zaure setting. His first teacher was Malam Modibbo Dahiru. He subsequently learnt the Qur’an under the tutelage of his father. He had also studied under the tutelage, of one Alkali Muhammad Abubakar in Jos.

His quest for knowledge, according to one of his closest students and confidant, Malam Abdurrahman Ibrahim, led him to his first adventure where he trekked from Adamawa to Gombe in 1940.

“Through his journey from Adamawa to Gombe, he had a stopped over at Biu where he settled in the Chief Imam’s house, discovering his intelligence and the kinds of book he had, the Imam held Sheikh Hammajam for a month before he proceeded with his journey to Gombe and later to Jos, there he taught the Imam books like Laamiyatul Ajami, and Shamfar, he however, studied a book titled Alburda from the Imam too”.

He was always in search of renowned Islamic scholars to widen his horizon on Islamic knowledge. “There was a time when he overheard his teacher commending one scholar who wrote a letter to him in Arabic, considering the commendation from his teacher who was also knowledgeable; he decided to go in search of the scholar who he learnt was in Shendam local government areas of Plateau state”.

He had always shied away from material thing before and after he was confirmed as the Chief Imam of Jos in the 70s when he succeeded Imam Malam Abdu, where many attested that Sheikh Hammajam has never meddled into any affairs outside his role as the Chief Imam nor did he indulged himself in any material pursuit. “He used to say ‘Allah is Almuqit’ (the provider) therefore; he never asked people for anything, he only collected if he was given.”

During his condolence visit, the Chief Imam of the National Mosque Abuja, Sheikh Muhammad Musa Inuwa who prayed to Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest, described Sheikh Hammajam as a leader whose wisdom and fountain of knowledge will be greatly missed.

Commenting on the death of Sheikh Hammajam, the Governor of Plateau State, Jonah David Jang during his condolence visit to the family said the death of the cleric was not only a loss to the Muslim community but the Christian community too. His Deputy, Pauline Tallen on her part described him as a leader who lived a worthy life by serving God and his people. While the Ujah of Anaguta who led a delegation of all the District Heads in Jos North local government are called on his successor to emulate the lifestyle of the deceased.

One of his students, Abdurrahman Ibrahim said “Coming across a person like Malam would be difficult, he was a person who knew how to live with any kind of person, he was a goodfather and a leader at the same time, which is why many people consider him as a role model.”

He said, “he didn’t like people who lie, once a person lied to him, it will be very difficult for him to trust that person again and he always stood against injustice.”

He was the author and editor of many scholarly publications written in Arabic and Fulfulde which examined Tauhid (Monotheism), lugga (Language), and fear of Allah, among others.

He had served as an external supervisor to many students of University of Jos who came from the Department of Arabic to seek advice on their projects. Some of the students he taught are now lecturing, while others are studying abroad. According to Malam Abdurrahman Ibrahim, “presently one of his students Dr. Abubakar Yusha’u is in Bahrain while many others are studying elsewhere.”

Many will live to remember him by his prayer which he never failed to include for an abundant and fruitful rainy season, and like an answer to the prayer, his burial proceedings witnessed a heavy downpour leaving hundreds who attended the event soaked from head to toe.

Despite the larger than life opportunities Sheikh Hammajam had during his life time, they did not for once lured him into wealth accumulation as he died leaving behind only a Mercedes (200 series)and a single house.

He also left behind three children among who are Aishatu (Dada), Fatimatu and Ghazali, as well as many grand and great grand children.

May Allah grant him Aljannat Firdausi. Amin.