An event is full of circumstances which may be a total turning point in human's life. Man is just living life; where life will take him; he has no idea. Our destinies are unknown; however, the decision we are making today mindfully which would contain undeniable effects in our futures. Life is all about dreams, living it justly is always making the differences by hard work respect and honesty. Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba Mbacke is one of the saviors of humanity. His unique clear goal in his existence was taking human beings from darkness to light; lie to truth; pessimism to optimism; inhumanity to humanity.
What is (18 Safar) ?
“18 Safar” is the day of dignity; the day of victory; the day of salvation; the day of sacrifice; the day of rising the truth and falling of the lie. "18 Safar", is the day of departure of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba Mbacke to exile in Gabon according to the Muslim calendar. After the French colonizers worried about his activities, they decided to exterminate him and demolish his teaching the Murid brotherhood. But their dreams turned into nightmares, (Cheikh) was as the sun nothing could prevent him from rising above everything; everywhere. Finally they decided to return him back to the Senegal in 1902.
The Fourth Groups Divided Senegalese Society, While (Cheikh) Preaching The New Doctrine Of Muridism.
Meanwhile Cheikh was calling on his people to change their ways of living there were four groups of people who were waking up in Senegal. The first group was the French colonizers, their first mission was divide and conquer to attain their goals. Likewise, their targets were nothing more than take control of the Senegalese properties; especially natural resources, and drive out the Islamic values in their (the Senegalese) daily lives. The second group was the "THEDOU", who were ruled those little kingdom divided Senegal all they cared about was their kingdoms how to extend their powers and live happy. The third group was named the Marabouts, they were living in their isolate world; the world around them they almost had no idea about it. The Fourth group was the forgotten group named the "BADOLLO", (The low birth) they had no place in their own society; they were almost enslaved in their own so wide, free land. Living vulnerable lives. The tears were coming out from their eyes were the fundamental sources of the three first groups to dwell in joyfulness.
The Beginning Of The Murid Brotherhood
It has always been a big test to anyone who ever stood up and said ENOUGH IS ENOUGH and calling your people to follow the right path positively and peacefully. You must be ready to suffer to make it; you must sacrifice your own life to bring total satisfaction for people. You must be ready to fight in every various fronts to overmaster your powerful enemies. (Cheikh) knew that he was ready about everything; anytime, anywhere. Because courage and integrity are the most efficient weapons man must have to be free in life and conquer forever. Happy are those who dream dreams and are willing to pay the price to make them come true. He delivered a clear declaration; he said "The lord asked me to declare that I am a refuge and a shield. Whoever wants salvation in this world and the hereafter must seek refuge in me." Many people ignored his message, just a very tiny group of people followed him. He became isolated with the "Murids" (the Cheikh's followers) in their own land. Enemies were working to the last drop of their sweets to stop or destroy him. Even though, (Cheikh) never gave up his dreams, because he believed they could overmaster only those who believe they can. That was why, no matter how far and fragile the journey was, he crossed all barriers calmly. He never permitted his antagonists a chance to score a single point. Nonetheless, William Penn was right: "Right is right, even if everyone is against it; and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it".
Why Did The French Colonizers Exile (Cheikh) To Gabon?
The growing of the Murid brotherhood led dread within many people hearts. Particularly, the Marabouts, and the sons of the kings who ruled those little kingdoms divided Senegal. Why? They might lose all their credibleness if the act continued. They started creating rumors like (Cheikh) was preparing War or "Jihad" against the French colonizers as several Marabouts did before him, like Alhaji Umar Tall, Maba Jaho Bah as well as Samory Toury. Notwithstanding, that did not surprise (Cheikh). He learned that throughout history people have been alienated whoever came with a new principle that they did not know. It has always been tough to try to change the way people are accustomed to living. You must build a strong heart to be an untouchable achiever. You must be courageous to live your dreams. You must risk your own life to save people from falling in the dark, deep hole in life, and provide them new opportunities to live in glory. That was why no matter how dicey the future was, how determined the enemies were (Cheikh) overpowered them tranquility.He wrote several letters to the governor of the colony in Saint Louis or Ndar, Senegal stating him, he had no intention to wage war against them. His mission in life was not causing violence, but saving people from darkness to light; from pessimism to optimism. He said, " The motive of my departure to exile is the will of God to elevate my rank and to make of me the mediator between my people and the prophet" (PBUH).
The Exile Of (Cheikh) in Gabon
In 1895, according “18 Safar” in the Muslim calendar the French colonizers arrested (Cheikh) to questioning him about his activities, later they exiled him to Gabon more than 7 years. Nonetheless, (Cheikh) with his courage and true submission to Allah, he demonstrated on everyone's eyes the one he felt, revered as well as feared in the universe is Allah. No matter how strong the French colonizers were. No matter how ambitious they were to discredit him forever as they had done it to many Marabouts before him, (Cheikh) just focused on one thing was saving the world from downheartedness to blessedness. His fearlessness and gallantry led him to outstanding triumph over his enemies. Nevertheless, the miracle is he accomplished all these by himself that made him an unique person in history. The historians never study a single person who overmastered a whole regime or kingdom without no one's assistance. YES (Cheikh) attained it, not only that, and also peacefully. However, he was able to achieve the complex mission tranquility because he built first untouchable arms that facilitated him to dwell in his dreams serenely. Some of the weapons are virtuousness, a strong, healthy heart, pure nerve, dignity, and courage. He stated "They accused me of doing the Jihad (Struggle), which I fully agree with. But the weapons through which I am doing it are science and piety. The Lord by excellence is my witness.”
The Lives Of The Murids During The Exile Of Cheikh In Gabon
Meanwhile (Cheikh) was in Gabon the teaching of Muridism continued spreading in Senegal. There were devoted Murids who were showing their outstanding, notable qualities during the exile of (Cheikh) like Mame Cheikh Ibrahima Fall, Mame Cheikh Anta Mbacke, Serigne Ndam Abdou Rahman Lo, and Mame Thierno Ibrahima Faty Mbacke. They worked unitedly in different fields to defend the innocent of Cheikh, in the meantime consecrating their lives to keep the legacies of (Cheikh) alive by hard work, respect, and tolerance. The French colonizers attempted several times to split them; sometimes by created rumors like when they said (Cheikh) lost his life, some Murids believed the first statement because they did not heard anything from (Cheikh) in a long while. Moreover, the French colonizers they never exiled anyone and he returned back home alive. (Keep in mind, Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba Mbacke, Khadim Rassoul is the exception) But that was too little to convince most of the Murids, the feeling in their hearts were stronger than everything; nothing could face it. They resumed their ambitions, stood up side by side until Cheikh returned back in Senegal.
The Return Of (Cheikh) In Senegal
November, 11, 1902 iCheikh Ahmadou Bamba returned to Senegal from the Exile in Gabon, the French colonizers ordered his return after they witnessed themselves they own memorable failure. They attempted with all their useful weapons they had to wreck (Cheikh), even assassinate him, but all their plans have come to nothing. Cheikh dominated them completely in all parts by non-violence. Nonetheless, believe it or not, Africa gained its total independence from this day; not only that, but also black people received their entire freedom evermore since this day; not only that, moreover, man gained his dignity again and living with hopefulness through this day; not only that, in addition, light has been defeating darkness since this historic day. So my beloved African people before we are wasting our unique treasure in life: time, remembering and copying from others, we have in our domestic land heroes who deserve our honor and love. The privilege of man is knowing who you are. Stop being naive; be strong and stop deeming we are the mother of civilization. Now is the time to prove it by living life rightly.
The Exile Of Cheikh In Mauritania
Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba returned back in Senegal after he defeated one of the most powerful countries on the earth peacefully himself without help from anyone, except Allah. Dreadful and fear still controlled the French colonizers hearts. All the evils they caused to (Cheikh); all the sadness and tears they brought upon the Murids they may one day wage war or "Jihad" against them for revenge. That was why, they could not let (Cheikh) free totally. They must continue watching him. They decided to send him in Mauritania between 1903 to 1907 after clear agreement between (Cheikh) and Cheikh Sidiya, an Islamic guide in Mauritania. However, (Cheikh) was always proving that he had no ambition in his life to wage violence against them. He did not need anything of what they had only God could fill his dreams in life. He mission in life was saving humanity from darkness to shining, unstoppable light.
Cheikh In House Arrest In Thieyeen Diolof And Diourbel
The French colonizers ordered (Cheikh) again to return in Senegal from Mauritania in 1907 to Thiayeen Diolof in house arrest. (Cheikh) never lived as a free man in his life, because the French colonizers was always watching him carefully, no matter how many times (Cheikh) proved them his innocence. In 1915, they allowed him to live in Diourbel in house arrest again. The reason of that, they noticed that all the places (Cheikh) was living were villages; people did not have lot activities in their daily lives, that was why, they were gathering around (Cheikh) all the time. Diourbel was a modern city at that time. Most people were living there graduated from the french schools they cared less about (Cheikh). Furthermore, they could watch him more vigilantly. Nevertheless, that was the worst analyze the French colonizers ever did during their ruling, dividing, and conquering age. Serigne Mamadou Lamine Diop Dagana said, (One of the Murids who were living with (Cheikh) "What we saw in Diourbel during the time (Cheikh) living in there, our eyes never noticed it; we never read it in any book; our ears never heard it". People were coming from every angle and corner in Senegal, i can strongly say all over the world to (Cheikh) seeking salvation and healing from him. In July, 19, 1927, (Cheikh) departed from the earth after he totally completed his mission on this earth. His holy body was buried in Touba, the city he had founded in 1887.
Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba Mbacke; A peacemaker
Whenever the world commemorating the peacemaker heroes, they minimizing a man like Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba Mbacke: Who devoted his life for freedom and justice for his fellow human beings. He used "nonviolence" as an arm to accomplish his missions. The French colonizers arrested (Cheikh), soon they exiled him in Gabon more than seven years full of pains and suffering. Why? Simply because he exhorted people to change their ways of lives and follow the path of righteousness peacefully. After they failed in their mission devastating (Cheikh) and the Murid brotherhood. The French colonizers decided to return (Cheikh) back in Senegal with worrying hearts. They thought with all the evils they had caused, (Cheikh) and the Murids one day they may take a revenge. However, (Cheikh) saw them once again he had no interest in the worldly goods. He was living in one space with them but, unlike fields. Their ambitions in life were a way far as the East and West. He said, " I have forgiven my enemies. Whatever they did to me for the sake of the 'Allah who cleansed me from their accusations.
The Influence Of (Cheikh) In This World Today
Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba Mbacke is an honor to humanity. His life is full of lessons which can lead mankind to overcome the economic, social, religious and political issues we faced today in our lives. His doctrine is nothing more than be a lover to Allah and all men; be a hard worker; have enough dignity and courage, as well as respect everyone, when someone stabs you in the back FORGIVE him. Nevertheless, Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba's legacies do not fall on deaf ears. His teachings have influenced men and women all over the world. His ism has been spread all over the Earth. Today the Murid brotherhood, is the largest Brotherhood in Senegal, it has the most political, economic, and social influences within the Senegalese society. Furthermore, Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba Day takes place almost all the biggest cities around the globe, like new York, Cincinnati, Ohio, Los Angeles, Paris, Madrid and Milan, Etc Etc.... In addition, Touba, nowadays is the second largest city in Senegal after Dakar the capital of Senegal. We cannot forget the Magal or commemoration of '18 Safar,' (it is an event occurring every year at Touba to remember the day of departure of (Cheikh) to the Exile) is the largest events in West Africa. Moreover, the grand Mosque of Touba is an unique mosque in the West Africa.
The Lessons Learned From 18 Safar
The first lesson we need to bear in mind is this: " What is popular is not always right, what is right is not always popular" Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba knew that and was living it. He started preaching the new teaching of the Murid brotherhood, a very tiny group followed him. Enemies around him all the sides while bending over backwards to prevent him and his follower from exercising their rights. However, (Cheikh) never felt any fear to his mission, he had courage and motivation that nothing could stop him. He became so successful. People today need to learn that lesson, unless you are following the straight path, don't worry about anything. Even you are going through hell, keep going. No pain no gain.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that; Hate cannot drive out hate only love can do that”. Martin Luther King Jr.The world today still ignoring these facts, people always trying to win a war by war, defeat evil by evil. The World War ONE and TWO led serious depression in this world. The Holocaust planted plants of hostility among religious groups. The carnage in Bosnia and Darfur caused division among friends or families. The ethnic conflict in Rwanda and the civil wars Africans have been experienced, keep Africa from moving forward. The African dreams have been turned into nightmares. Both the Indians and Pakistanis have been living in fragility because of the rivalries over Kashmir. Moreover, the September 11 attack elevated the tension between the Occident and Islam. What are the results? Conflicts, deaths, and despairing of millions of innocent people, the whole world today have been paying the price.
Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba was able to see these since in 19 century. All the allegations or assertions from his enemies and the negative attitudes they had toward him, he responded them peacefully. The Murids got beating, their houses were burning, whenever they came to Sheikh and complaining. He asked him to be patient as well as copy to the "Sahabah"(The people lived with the prophet [P.b.u.h] and believed him) all the obstacles they were faced, they never give up, they kept their belief as their treasures. Because life is the source of man, but peace is the secret of life simultaneously love is the only gate of peace. Moral responsibility is the key of man that useful to open all closed doors full of joy, and joyfulness is our destination in life. What we all need to be in life is "Joyful. Gandhi said it “Be the change you want to see in the world”.
Let me talk a bit about the third lesson: "Life is a sacrifice; one of the keys to happiness is a bad memory." The secrete of happiness is freedom, and the secrete of freedom is determination. The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this; decide what you want. Happy are those who dream dreams and ready to pay the price to make them come true. If you can dream it; you can do it. However, (Cheikh) was not just preaching these ideas, but he was living them. He chose to starve, to give his people enough healthy foods to eat serenely . He chose to climb through the snowing mountains, during the freezing winter alone to protect his people from any attack by their enemies. He risked his own life to save people from falling in the dark, deep hole in life, and provide them new opportunities to live in glory evermore. Eventually, (Cheikh) did not raise just the flag of Islam high above everything; he did not free only black people from slavery; yes believe it or not he saved humanity from downheartedness to blessedness; from pessimism to optimism; from grieves to relives; from sadness to happiness.
In Conclusion
Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba Mbacke sacrificed his life to liberty as well as peace for his fellow human beings. He replaced the darkness humanity was waking up in by unstoppable bright light. He took us from grieves to relives; from hopelessness to hopefulness; from misery to glory. (Cheikh) fought his entire life for humankind. Even though, the war he was fighting for was not a physical combat. He was struggling against lie, ignorance, lawlessness, hatred, suffering and moral bankruptcy. He fought uncountable battles in one war, not only that, but also conquered his powerful opponents in every single battlefield peacefully. He won the entire war bravely by thankfulness to Allah, ethic, righteousness, knowledge, dignity and "Tawakkul". ( Trust in Allah) Finally, (Cheikh) completed totally his mission on this Earth, while his legacy will exist forever to save man from jeopardy to serenity. He said " I have spoken to you, you have heard my words. I have left written scripts to your attention, I have acted under your eyes; My life is my message".
Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba Mbacke
Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba Mbacke
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