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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "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.
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