Evolution of Tafsīr in Ilorin between the first Mufassir and the first Tafsīr circle

Abstract

Ilorin of the twentieth century witnessed a tremendous proliferation of Tafsīr circles that spring up during the month of Ramaḍān on  yearly basis. Despite the existence of new approaches to Tafsīr, distinct from the ancient ones, a great number of old Mufassirūn and  some newly emerged ones continue to uphold the traditional method with thoughtful emphasis on the events and the personalities  behind the evolution of the traditional standard. This work aimed to investigate the events and persons surrounding the evolution of  Tafsīr in Ilorin. The paper, which employed narrative and analytical methods, found no claim of existence of Tafsīr circle in Ilorin before  the final arrival of Shaykh Ālimi, except the one of Imām Gambari‟s mosque, though no one was mentioned as the Mufassir. The research  revealed the peculiarities of the two major events. The first being the Gambari Tafsīr circle which was conducted earlier by unspecified Mufassirūn, because different scholars were invited from different backgrounds for the purpose of Tafsīr. The second event  was the Tafsīr circle that took place at Oke-suna, through which Shaykh Ālimi became recognised as the first Mufassir in Ilorin. Also  disclosed in the work are the roles played by different personalities, such as Shaykh Ālimi, Shaykh Yusuf al-Malli, Shaykh B. Sani, Shaykh  Abdul Mumin Dogo, Malam Olufadi and Malam Ibrahim Bako among others. The paper advocated proper documentation of events for  accuracy in the future reference for the coming generations. It is also recommended that efforts of the personalities discussed in the  work are emulated by subsequent generations for better spreading of Islam, uplifting of knowledge, and reforming of societies.