Kabir Ahmad Azare

Kabir Ahmad Azare (11 February 1960 – 27 April 2023) was a Nigerian Islamic scholar, preacher, and leader of the Council of Ulama' of JIBWIS Katagum Zone. He was a follower of the Sunni school of thought and a prominent member of the Jama'atu Izalatil Bid'ah Wa'Ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) movement. He was known for his vast knowledge of the Quran, Hadith, Fiqh, and Arabic language, as well as his eloquent lectures.

Early life and education Kabir Ahmad Azare was born on 11 February 1960 in Azare town of Katagum Local Government, Bauchi State, Nigeria. He started his Islamic education at a young age under the guidance of his father and other local scholars, he memorized the entire Quran with Malam Baban Ma'ruf, a renowned Quranic reciter and teacher.

He was a staunch follower of the Sunni school of thought and a loyal disciple of Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, the leader of the JIBWIS movement in Nigeria. He was appointed as the Chairman of the Council of Ulama' of JIBWIS Katagum Zone, a position he held until his death. He was also a member of the National Executive Council of JIBWIS and a close associate of Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, the National Chairman of JIBWIS.

He delivered lectures and sermons on various topics of Islamic jurisprudence, theology, history, and ethics. He was known for his eloquence, clarity, charisma, and humor. He successfully taught and delivered the following books to thousand of his followers in different mosques; Ramadan Tafsir of the complete Qur'an (three times), Sifatu Salatin Nabiyy, Ahkaamul Jana'iz, Arrijaalu Wan-Nisa'u Haular Rasuul, Nurul Albaab (Usmanul Fodi), I hya'ussunah Wa Ikhmadul Bidi'a, Kitabut Tauhiid, Riyadus Swalihiin, Al'akhdari, Al'ashmawiy, Iziyya, and Ar-Risaala. He was a vocal critic of religious extremism, sectarianism, and innovation. He advocated for peace, unity, and tolerance among Muslims and other faiths.

Personal life and death Azare was married to three wives and had 29 children. He died on 27 April 2023 after a brief illness. He was buried in his hometown of Azare, according to Islamic rites. He was described as a great loss to the Muslim Ummah and a source of inspiration for many.