Where I Stand

by Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, Ismaila A. Tsiga

Far from being a medium for polemics, Where I Stand is a record of an exceptional life built on proven humility, simplicity and dogged pursuit of the truth.

A man of absolute integrity, forthrightness and a renowned Islamic scholar who has often been misinterpreted, Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, in a most reflective vein, bare his mind on diverse issues: the Gumi’s Self; his firm posture on a non-syncretistic Islamic practice; his standpoint on Islamic groups; Christianity and Judaism; and a parting message to the Nigerian polity, all to illuminate Where He Stands

Genres: Islam

213 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Lukman Aliyu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find myself truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to read this book about the life of the renowned Sheikh Abubakar Mahmoud Gumi.
I was truly inspired by his doggedness, tenacity and willingness to stick to the truth regardless of the consequences. No man is perfect but this was an outstanding man of character.
One thing I admire about him is that he never allowed personal relationships to influence his views and opinions on Islamic matters or on the cases he tried as a judge. He tried to be just in all circumstances to the best of his ability.
In addition, I have to confess that I appreciate Ismaila Abubakar Tsiga's flowing writing style. It is a stylistic writing that utilises simple words to get the message across. This style aided my assimilation of the book.
Finally, May Almighty Allah forgive the late Sheikh of all his shortcomings and admit him to the highest rank of jannah, along with the rest of us when we finally leave this temporary world.

[Saifullah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvelous presentation of the life of an intellectual and one of the most important reformists from Northern Nigeria. Written with the help of Ismaila A. Tsiga, where I Stand takes us through the mind of Sheikh and the impulses that fuelled his activism in religious reforms. We see a bright and open-minded figure, opposite of what his detractors and proponents present him as.

[Surajo Afaka Muhammad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the book is written on the biography of Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, it captures fundamental challenges to Muslim society in Nigeria especially the nothern Muslims. It clearly explains how traditional institutions go against shari'a and propagation of true teachings of Islam, how first military coup planned to destroy panel shari'a courts after killing northern political leaders and military officers. It further explains how sufism promotes negative innovations and it clashes with newly established Izala movement. The book captures Shi'a movement in its initial days in Nigeria, and talks about Islam revolution in Iran. The author narrated how Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI) was established and how it was hijacked by traditional rulers. On Izala movement, the author expressed his grievances on its selfish divisions and corruption.

The book is a treasure and a legacy which should be read by every Muslim in the northern part of Nigeria. It's only when you know your past that you will be able to know your current social, religious and political challenges. We can only reshape and plan our future if we know our historical antecedents.

[Abubakar Muhammad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so far the best autobiography I've ever read. Sheikh Gumi's autobiography is a practical manual on how to live a very simple, but highly impactful life. It also summarizes Nigeria's pre-and-post independence history from an unbiased perspective. I am glad I found this book. May Allah forgive him and grant Jannatul Firdaus. May Allah bless Dr. Ismaila Tsiga for his efforts in producing this work. May Allah forgive him and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.

[Ahmad Muhammad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where I stand is a book for all humanity.

[Ruqayyah Musa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a better way tell a story! This is both inspiring and motivating. Humble and down to earth, makes me reflect on my life.
This books has all the qualities of a good book!