Islam in Offa has a profound and fascinating history, marked by resilience, faith, and the contributions of dedicated individuals and families. While the exact year and the person who first introduced Islam to Offa remain unknown, it is clear that by the time the people of Offa returned from Ido-Osun in 1900, Islam had already taken deep roots, especially in several key compounds within the town. This blog post delves into the history, key figures, and significant developments in the journey of Islam in Offa.
Early Roots of Islam in Offa
Historians have not pinpointed the exact year Islam was introduced to Offa or identified the first person to bring it to the town. However, by 1900, when the people returned to Offa from Ido-Osun, Islam was well-established, particularly in compounds such as Aranmokanla, Akosomu, Ajoda, Mogaji Aba (in Popo), Imam, Ajia Oke-Okoo, Bolude, and Baba (in Ita-Erin). These compounds did not relocate to Ido-Osun when Offa was deserted; instead, they went to the Yanayo Campground at Ilorin.
The Establishment of Islam in Offa
By 1907, Islam was firmly rooted in Offa. Influential figures in the town embraced the religion, further solidifying its presence. Lawani Atoyebi, son of Kempe, was the first to perform the Salat (prayer) and was commonly known as Alhaji Dundu. He passed away in 1964. Following his acceptance of Islam, many prominent individuals of his age group in Offa also embraced the faith. Since then, Islam has continued to flourish in Offa.
Prominent Islamic Figures and Their Contributions
One of the notable early Islamic scholars in Offa was Momodu Alabi, commonly known as Alhaji Popo. He possessed some knowledge of the Quran and taught Alhaji Dundu. Alhaji Popo was also the first person from Offa to go on pilgrimage to Mecca, accompanied by his wife. His father hailed from Ogbomosho.
Around 1910, an Islamic tutor named Aminu from Ilorin arrived in Offa and stayed at the Aranmokanla compound. He was proficient in embroidery and well-versed in the Quran, eventually becoming the Quranic tutor for the Aranmokanla compound. He led the people of Offa in religious rites and Quranic studies. His students included Alhaji Popo, Alhaji Dundu, Usamat Imam, Falali Imam, and Alhaji Sanni Giwa.
The First Imam and Subsequent Leadership
The first Imam of Offa was Maliki, and the title has remained within his compound ever since. The succession of Imams from this lineage includes Maliki, Bakare Suta, Abass Raman, Abdul-Kareem, Usamat, Falali, Salawudeen (the Imam in 1970 when the history of Islam in Offa was being compiled), and Oseni, the Imam at the time of the second edition. All these Imams were descendants of the same ancestry. Imam Kareem was particularly notable for his proficiency in the Quran, his intelligence, and his roles as an Imam, Judge, and Tax Collector for the town.
The Central Mosque of Offa
The history of Islam in Offa would be incomplete without mentioning the central mosque, which has been reconstructed three times, with the current structure being the fourth. Significant contributors to the construction of the third mosque included Imam Falali, Alhaji Dundu, Alhaji Popo, Jimoh Naibi, Alhaji Sanni Giwa, Alhaji Gbadamosi Ijaiya, Alhaji Bello Jatto, Alhaji Aliu Olatinwo, Lawani Onawola (Baba Isale), and Bakare Keji. The mosque’s construction was a community effort, with donations coming from both residents of Offa and those living outside the town. The building cost £600,060, equivalent to ₦1,200,060 when the Nigerian currency had substantial value. Alhaji Sanni Giwa and Imam Salawu provided valuable specifics for this history, both of whom are now deceased, and may God’s mercy be upon them.
The history of Islam in Offa is a testament to the town’s enduring faith, resilience, and communal spirit. From its early roots in key compounds to the establishment of the central mosque, the journey of Islam in Offa is marked by significant contributions from influential figures and a collective commitment to religious and community development. This rich heritage continues to shape the identity of Offa and its people, ensuring that Islam remains deeply rooted in the town’s cultural and spiritual fabric.
