Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory
Adam Alao AbdulBaqi Abeebullah Abdullah Al-Ilory | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1917 Waza, present-day Benin |
| Died | 3 May 1992 London, United Kingdom |
| Occupation | Islamic scholar |
| Alma mater | Al-Azhar University[1] |
Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory (1917 – 3 May 1992) was a Beninese-Nigerian Islamic scholar, author, and education reformer. He played a leading role in the modernization of Islamic education in Nigeria and was the founder of the Arabic and Islamic Training Centre (commonly known as Markaz) in Agege, Lagos.
Early life
Al-Ilory was born in Waza, in present-day Benin Republic, into the family of Abdul Baqi Al-Ilory. He was of Yoruba ancestry and later moved to Ilorin, Nigeria, where he began his Islamic education under his father and other scholars.
Education and reform
He pursued higher Islamic studies at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt. In 1952, he founded the Arabic and Islamic Training Centre (Markaz) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, before relocating it to Agege, Lagos in 1955.[2]
At Markaz, Al-Ilory introduced a structured, modern system of Islamic learning—using classrooms, blackboards, written exams, student uniforms, and a subject-based curriculum. This marked a departure from traditional Qur’anic methods of education in Nigeria.
Writings
Al-Ilory authored several works in Arabic, including:
- Naseem Soba (Morning Breeze)
- El Islam Fi Naijiriyya (Islam in Nigeria)
- Hukukul-Insaani (Human Rights)
- Al Islam Dinu Wa Daolat (Islam is Religion and Government)
- Aslu Kobaail-Yoruba (The Origin of Yoruba Tribes)
- Aatharulilmi Watasowuf Fil-Islam (The Role of Knowledge and Sufism in Islam)
- Dahoru Tasowuwasofiyat (Purpose of Sufism)
- Nizoomu Tahalimul-Arabiy Wahlislamiy (System of Arabic and Islamic Education)
- Al Islam Wa Taqoolidil-Jahiliyyah (Islam and Pre-Islamic Traditions)
- Lamhada tul-Balury fi Ulamaai al-Ilory (Overview of the Scholars of Ilorin)
- Ali Heedu Al'Arbahuna min Taasisil-Markaz (Markaz 40th Anniversary, 1985)
Religious influence
He was a follower of the Maliki school of Islamic jurisprudence and a member of the Qadiriyya Sufi order. He served as Secretary-General of the League of Imams and Alfas of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta regions.
Markaz legacy
The Markaz institution introduced innovations such as blackboard teaching, exams, school uniforms, and certificates in the Southwest region of Nigeria.[3] In 1957, the center held its first graduation, attracting a new wave of Islamic students and reformers who would go on to replicate the model.
Personal life
Sheikh Al-Ilory married six wives and had 23 children. Their names include:
- Ridwanullah (deceased)
- Maryam (deceased)
- Habeebullah
- Jamaldeen
- Thaoban
- Halimah
- Fadeelah
- Rahmatullah
- Soffiyah
- Sekinah
- Abdullahi
- Radhiyyah
- Bashir
- Jummah
- Medinah
- Ahmad (deceased)
- Aisha
- Khadeejah
- Arafah
- Hajarah
- Yusuf
- Sufyan
- Adnan
Death and legacy
Al-Ilory died in London on 3 May 1992. His death was widely mourned across West Africa. In 2017, his centenary was celebrated in Nigeria, attracting national and religious leaders.[4]
See also
- Islam in Nigeria
- Markaz Agege
- Qadiriyya
- Al-Azhar University
References
- ^ "Nigeria honors Muslim thinker Adam el-Ilory". Anadolu Agency. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ "Arabic and Islamic Training Centre (Markaz), Agege, Lagos". University of Ilorin – Centre for Arabic and Islamic Studies. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ "Sheikh Adam Al Ilory: Centenary celebrations begin April 15". Vanguard News. 30 March 2018. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ "Saraki, Sultan, others extol virtues of Sheikh Adam Al-Ilory". The Guardian Nigeria. Retrieved 31 May 2025.