The Revival of the Sunnah: Shaykh Uthman Dan Fodiyo: pt# 38

Shaykh or Shehu 'Uthman ibn Muhammad (also known as "Dan Fodiyo") is the well-known and respected mujaddid (reviver of Islam) of 18th century West Africa (Hausaland or modern-day Nigeria). He reestablished all facets of Islam during his time. His book "Ihya us-Sunnah wa ikhmaadul Bid-ah"...(The Revival of the Sunnah and the Destruction of Innovation) was one of his larger and more famous texts. During his tajdeed movement, we would give a copy of this book to every Amir (leader) along with his flag.

Nur uz-Zamaan Radio is pleased to present a commentary on this blessed book by Amir Ibrahim Bilal.

Amir Ibrahim Bilal Smith was born in San Francisco California. Like many African American youth, during his teenage years he ran the streets of California and eventually got involved in gangs and drugs. This led to an incarceration in State Prison. It was during this incarceration that Allah guided him to Islam.

In 2000 Amir Ibrahim had the opportunity to sit with Shaikh Khatry from Mauritania to complete his Fard Ain using the traditional text written by Ibn Ashir.  In 2005 Amir Ibrahim had the opportunity to sit with Shaikh Muhammad Ya'cobi Al-Hasani to hear the complete narration of The Shamil of Tirmidhi and afterwards was given a general ijaaza to transmit it from him.

He is currently an Amir/Imam from The Jamat of The Shehu in Sacramento California and Amir of Masjid Ibrahim Islamic Center, under the leadership of Imam Abu Laith Luqman Ahmed from Philadelphia.

He has translated several books authored from the Shehu and his family from Arabic to English, a couple of which are: Wathiqa ila Jamat (A treatise to the Muslim community, by Sultan Muhammad Bello, and Nuur-Al-baab (The illuminating door) by The Shehu.

He currently resides in Sacramento California with his wife and four children.