Faruq Onikijipa Biography: Age, Wiki, Family, and Contributions
Faruq Onikijipa, known as Sheikh Dr. Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa, is a beacon of Islamic scholarship, a spiritual guide, and a towering figure in the Muslim community. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Sheikh Onikijipa has made monumental contributions to Islamic education, interfaith dialogue, and community service. As the Grand Mufti of the Ilorin Emirate, his life embodies the pursuit of knowledge, service to humanity, and unwavering faith in Almighty Allah.
This article delves into Faruq Onikijipa Biography, exploring this esteemed scholar’s life and legacy, his upbringing, education, family, career, and profound impact on Islam and beyond.
Table of Contents
Faruq Onikijipa Biography: Age, Wiki, Family, and Contributions
Philanthropy and Community Service
Faruq Onikijipa Biography
Sheikh Dr. Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa was born on February 25, 1962, in Ilorin, Nigeria, into the renowned Onikijipa family. His lineage is deeply rooted in Islamic scholarship, with ancestors like Sheikh Abdullah Onikijipa and Sheikh Muh’d Qasim Onikijipa contributing significantly to the Islamic community. Guided by a rich heritage and nurtured in a devout environment, Sheikh Onikijipa’s early life was steeped in the teachings of Islam, shaping his path toward becoming a revered scholar.
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On December 16, 2021, he was turbaned as the Grand Mufti of Ilorin Emirate, marking a pivotal moment in his journey of spiritual leadership. In October 2022, his dedication was further recognized when he received the national title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) from President Muhammadu Buhari.
Early Life and Education
Faruq Onikijipa’s quest for knowledge began in 1969 when he enrolled at Alore Primary School in Ilorin, earning his First School Leaving Certificate in 1974. His foundational Islamic education took root at the Advanced Quranic School in Agbaji, Ilorin, where he studied from 1974 to 1979.
In 1983, Sheikh Onikijipa advanced his education at the esteemed Arabic and Islamic Training Centre (Markaz) in Agege, Lagos. This institution, founded by his mentor Shaykh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory, played a significant role in his intellectual and spiritual development. He completed his secondary education at Markaz in 1986 before pursuing higher education at the Institute of Religious and Behavioural Education in Lagos, where he earned a Higher Diploma in 2002.
Sheikh Onikijipa’s academic journey reached international heights when he enrolled at Pebble University in Australia. Over the years, he achieved a Bachelor of Arts in 2007, a Master of Arts in 2010, and a Doctorate in Islamic Studies in 2020. His commitment to education exemplifies the Islamic emphasis on the lifelong pursuit of knowledge.
Personal Life
Born into a family renowned for its contributions to Islamic scholarship, Sheikh Onikijipa’s personal life reflects his deep-rooted values. He is married to Alhaja Rahmatullah Kehinde Faruq Onikijipa, and the couple is blessed with children. His family continues to uphold the legacy of the Onikijipa family, fostering faith and knowledge within their community.
Career and Contributions
As a religious leader and Islamic scholar, Sheikh Onikijipa has dedicated his life to the propagation of Islam. He has reached countless individuals across Nigeria and the globe through teaching, preaching, and public enlightenment. His annual Ramadan lectures, broadcast internationally, have become a cornerstone of his mission to spread Islamic teachings.
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Sheikh Onikijipa’s influence extends beyond sermons. He has participated in over 20 international conferences, presenting papers on topics like peace, interfaith dialogue, and human development in countries such as Egypt, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. His prolific writing includes over 20 books in Arabic, many of which have been translated into English, further solidifying his reputation as a scholar of international renown.
He is also the proprietor of the Al-Amani Li-Tahliimil Arabiy-Wal-Islamiy School in Lagos, which has produced numerous promising scholars. His leadership within the Tijjaniyya Brotherhood, where Shaykh Abubakar Al-Miskin of Pakata initiated him, further underscores his spiritual influence
Philanthropy and Community Service
A committed philanthropist, Sheikh Onikijipa is deeply involved in initiatives that uplift the less privileged. He oversees the Al-Amani Islamic Organization, which includes mosques and educational institutions affiliated with Al-Azhar University in Cairo. His efforts in education, healthcare, and community development transcend religious boundaries, embodying the universal values of compassion and service.
Leadership and Honors
His numerous honors and titles match Sheikh Dr. Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa’s intimidating credentials. Among his most notable accolades:
- Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) – 2022
- Grand Mufti of Ilorin Emirate – 2021
- Global Peace Ambassador – Access to Human Rights International (AHRI)
- Cholan Book of World Records Holder
- National Commendation for Leadership Service – Nigeria National House of Assembly
He is also a Fellow of the Academy of Corporate Management and Strategic Planning, a representative of the World Federation of Sufi Orders, and a recipient of an honorary doctorate from Columbus International University in England.
Faruq Onikijipa Net Worth
As of 2022, Sheikh Onikijipa’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million. His wealth stems from various sources, including his academic and literary contributions, leadership roles, and philanthropic ventures.
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Social Media Presence
Sheikh Onikijipa leverages social media to reach a broader audience. His profiles provide insights into his teachings and initiatives:
- Facebook: Sheikh Sulaiman Faruq-Onikijipa
- Instagram: @alamaaniofficial
- Twitter: @alamaani_org
Profile Summary
Name | Sheikh Dr. Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa |
---|---|
Date of Birth | February 25, 1962 |
Place of Birth | Ilorin, Nigeria |
Age | 62 years (as of 2024) |
Wife | Alhaja Rahmatullah Kehinde Faruq Onikijipa |
Education | Alore Primary School, Markaz, Pebble University |
Titles | Grand Mufti, OON, Global Peace Ambassador |
Net Worth | $500,000 – $1 million |
Social Media | Facebook, Instagram, Twitter |
Conclusion
The life of Sheikh Dr. Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa is a testament to the transformative power of knowledge, faith, and service. As a scholar, leader, and philanthropist, he has left an indelible mark on the Muslim community in Nigeria and beyond. His role as the Grand Mufti of Ilorin Emirate continues to inspire generations, embodying the true essence of Islamic scholarship and leadership.