Cherished Memories of Africa — Page 163
145 Oustaz Yobi Bah Remembrance of an Angelic Friend who was in love with the Mahdi of the age A simple and plain young man, wearing ordinary slippers, hair seldom touched by comb wearing a simple African cloak that had not known ironing, however fostering such a deep relationship of love with Hadrat Imam Mahdi as and his blessed khalifas that he carried some book of the Promised Messiah as with him all the time, recited the Holy Quran or was on a prayer mat in some mosque or engaged in Tabligh with someone– that was Oustaz Bah Yobi. He was indeed a world apart from millions of people well-dressed with high class attires but unfamiliar with pure heart’s blessing that was beyond expectation and mercy that was unparalleled. Oustaz Yobi Bah belonged to the Gambia’s well-known Fulani tribe. Like his ancestors, he also belonged to the well-known Tijaniyya sect in Senegal and the Gambia. He received his early religious teaching from schools of the same sect; therefore, he was well-versed with Arabic language. Allah, the Almighty had blessed him with proficiency in several languages. Therefore he could speak English, Mandinka, Fula, and Wolof and used to perform the duty of an interpreter elegantly for speeches during the Gambia’s Jalsa Salana. Introduction to Tijaniyyah Tijaniyyah is widespread in several African countries. It was founded by Sheikh Ahmad al-Tijani. He was born in Ain Madhi, Algeria in 1737. Most of the population of Senegal and the