Sheikh (Dr.) Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa, OON, popularly known as Al-Miskeen Billahi, is a respected Nigerian Islamic scholar, preacher, teacher and religious leader who has dedicated decades to Islamic scholarship, Qur’anic teaching and community service.
Born on 25 February 1962 in Ilorin, Kwara State, Sheikh Onikijipa was raised in a family deeply rooted in Islamic scholarship. He began learning the Qur’an and Islamic sciences from an early age under the guidance of his father and other renowned scholars.
His educational journey took him through Alore Primary School, Ilorin, advanced Qur’anic studies, Darul-Ulum Arabic and Islamic School, Ilorin, and later the Markaz in Agege, Lagos, founded by the renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory.
Over the years, Sheikh Onikijipa became widely recognised for his powerful preaching, Qur’anic teachings, Ramadan Tafsir and commitment to Arabic and Islamic education. He is also associated with Markaz Al-Amani Li-Tahliimil Arabiy Wal Islamiy School in Lagos.
🕌 Grand Mufti of Ilorin
On 16 December 2021, the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, appointed Sheikh Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa as the 4th Grand Mufti of the Ilorin Emirate, one of the most important religious positions in the historic Ilorin Muslim community.
🇳🇬 National Recognition
In 2022, Sheikh Onikijipa was honoured by the Federal Government of Nigeria with the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) national honour, recognising his contributions to the nation.
Beyond his official title, he is affectionately addressed by many as “Alfa Agba”, a Yoruba honorific conveying the status of a senior and respected Islamic scholar.
Today, Sheikh Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa remains an influential voice in Islamic scholarship and religious leadership, continuing to teach, preach and contribute to the preservation of Islamic knowledge and values.
❤️ A Scholar. A Teacher. A Leader. A Voice of Islamic Knowledge.
Via: Northern Magazine
