User:Danjumah30/sandbox
Sheikh Yahaya Amin Khalifah | |
|---|---|
| Personal life | |
| Born | 15 June 1940 Pakro |
| Nationality | Ghanaian |
| Parents |
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| Honors | Honorary Doctorate Degree - Vinitsya Pedagogical University, Ukraine (2018).
African Integrity Award by African Integrity Magazine, Nigeria (2018). Christian Values Award from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Ghana (2018). |
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Islam |
| Denomination | Sufi |
| Founder of | Islamic Foundation for Peace and Development (IFPAD) |
| Sect | Sunni |
| Jurisprudence | Maliki |
| Tariqa | Tijani |
| Profession | Clergy |
| Senior posting | |
| Teacher | Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu |
| Disciple of | Sheikh Ibrahim Niass |
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Early Life and Family Background
Sheikh Yahaya Amin was born on June 15, 1940, in Pakro, a small village in Ghana's Eastern Region. His father, Alfa Mohammed Aminu, and mother, Halimatu Sadia, were highly respected figures in the Islamic community. History has it that Alfa Aminu, originally from Nigeria, was among a group of Islamic clerics brought into Ghana to spread of Islam, during its advent in the West African Sub-region. Alongside his business activities as a merchant, Sheikh Yahaya Amin's father actively engaged in teaching and preaching Islamic principles, contributing significantly to the religious foundation of the region. His association with other notable Islamic scholars, like Mallam Nuhu Sharubutu (father of the national Chief Imam of Ghana), speaks volumes about his influence and connections within the Islamic scholarly circles.
Early Education and Arabic Studies: At the tender age of six, Sheikh Yahaya Amin began his education under the tutelage of his father, who introduced him to the rudiments of Arabic studies, including basic Quranic recitation and Islamic jurisprudence. This early training laid a solid foundation for his later scholarly pursuits. When Sheikh Yahaya Amin turned ten, his father took him to Accra to continue his studies. In Accra, he was placed under the care of Mallam Sharubutu, a close friend of his father. It was a common practice for Islamic clerics to have their children study with other esteemed scholars to enhance their religious and spiritual upbringing. This move brought Sheikh Yahaya Amin into close contact with the young Sheikh Osman, who would later become the National Chief Imam of Ghana. This early bond between Sheikh Yahaya Amin and Sheikh Osman blossomed into a lifelong relationship, with Sheikh Yahaya Amin eventually becoming a confidante, advisor, and protégé of the National Chief Imam. The relationship between Sheikh Yahaya Amin and the national chief imam grew stronger over the years, with Sheikh Yahaya Amin becoming one of the closest and most trusted associates of Sheikh Osman. Many people within the Islamic community recognize Sheikh Yahaya Amin as an embodiment of the core values of Islam, particularly within the Tijaniya/Faida Sufi order. His commitment to the religion, dedication to his studies, and selflessness in serving the community have earned him widespread admiration. Under the guidance of Sheikh Osman, Sheikh Yahaya Amin completed the memorization of the Quran at very yong age, making him an "Hafiz" of the Qur’an. In addition to his Islamic studies, Sheikh Yahaya Amin enrolled in a Western educational institute in Accra when the Ghanaian government introduced Western education in the Zongo communities. He successfully completed his education and became proficient in reading and writing in English. His ability to navigate both Islamic and Western educational systems allowed him to engage more effectively with a wider audience.
Scholarly Achievements and Early Writing and Contributions to Islamic Institutions:
By the age of twelve, Sheikh Yahaya Amin had demonstrated an extraordinary dedication to learning. He achieved a profound understanding of all aspects of Islamic knowledge, placing him among the elite scholars in both Ghana and beyond. His scholarly acumen was evident when, at the age of twenty-three in 1963, he completed his first written work. This book, which was published in 1969, became an influential text within the Sufi order and remains widely read by thousands of followers. Sheikh Yahaya Amin’s passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom. In 1964, he founded the Faila Stars soccer team, which remained active until 1980. The team provided an avenue for Sheikh Yahaya Amin to reach more young adults and encourage their participation in Arabic studies. Through his efforts, many Islamic scholars in Africa, Europe, America, and Asia trace their roots back to his teachings. His students, now scholars in their own right, continue to excel in various fields, reflecting the profound influence Sheikh Yahaya Amin had on their lives. In 1961, Sheikh Yahaya Amin began to feature prominently in the leadership of various Islamic associations. His influence in Ghana’s Islamic community became even more pronounced in 1973 when he was appointed the first National Coordinator of the Office of the National Chief Imam. Sheikh Yahaya Amin played a pivotal role in the establishment of this office and continued to serve in this capacity for many years. Another significant milestone in Sheikh Yahaya Amin's career was in 1969 when he renamed the Madarasatu Arabiya, a school founded by the father of the National Chief Imam, to Ansarudeen Islamic Complex School. This school became an important center for Islamic education in Ghana. Sheikh Yahaya Amin has held the following positions from 1961: - Member, Abna-ul Faidat, Ghana – 1961. - National Coordinator, Jamiyatu Ansarudeen, Ghana – 1968. - Lead Islamic Scholar, Radio Ghana External Service. Hausa Session - 1969 to 1983. - Head, Ansarudeen Complex Schools of Ghana - 1969 to date. - Chairman, Islamic Judicial Committee Office of the National Chief of Ghana - 1986 to date. - Founder and Leader, Islamic Foundation for Peace and Development (IFPAD) Ghana - 2001 to date. - Proprietor, Yamin Islamic School, Bortianor Hills, Accra Ghana - 2007 to date. - Chairman, National Hilaal Committee of Ghana. 2017 to 2022. - National Patron, NASFAT Ghana.
International Recognition and Conference Participation and Advocacy:
Sheikh Yahaya Amin’s contributions to these forums helped foster collaborations between the Islamic communities of Ghana and other nations, leading to developments such as the establishment of a hospital and a university in Ghana, as well as scholarships awarded by the Iranian government. Recognizing the need for promoting peace amidst growing global tensions, Sheikh Yahaya Amin founded the Islamic Foundation for Peace and Development (IFPAD) in 2001. This Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) aimed to promote peace, tolerance, and development while upholding Islamic family and social values. Under his leadership, IFPAD partnered with various developmental agencies, including embassies, DANIDA, UNDPA, the Christian Council, and government institutions. Through these collaborations, Sheikh Yahaya Amin advanced the cause of global peace and interfaith harmony.
Awards and Recognitions:
Sheikh Yahaya Amin Amin’s relentless commitment to Islam and global peace earned him several accolades. Among the most notable were: - An Honorary Doctorate Degree conferred by Vinitsya Pedagogical University in Ukraine in 2018. - The African Integrity Award by African Integrity Magazine in 2018. - A Christian Values Award from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Ghana in 2018. - Recognition from the Yankasa Community of the USA in 2008 and 2017. - Recognition from the Abna’ul Faidat of the Netherlands in 2018