By Abdulrahman Sani (philosopeace)
The German psychologist Carl Jung proposed archetypes as universal themes within the collective mental frameworks of humans. They represent the primary human drives, impulses, hopes, and desires that shape behaviours, perceptions, and actions. While he identified approximately seven archetypes, my interest lies in the Hero archetype, which symbolizes the relentless pursuit of excellence, growth, and overcoming challenges. I believe Malam is a living example of the Hero archetype.
Malam had a modest upbringing in Sokoto before gaining admission to major in Hadith Sciences at the Islamic University of Madina. After graduation, he furthered his studies with a postgraduate Civil and Criminal Justice diploma at the same university. Upon his return, he began teaching in Islamic schools. His breakthrough came through deputizing for his mentor, Professor Mansur, in his Sahih al Bukhari class.
Malam as an Academic
Malam’s primary training was conducted in Arabic. Still, due to his daring pursuit of excellence, he chose the unconventional route of pursuing a Master’s in Law at the University of East London instead of following the familiar path taken by others within his academic circle, which typically involves going to Sudan or Egypt for a Master’s in Islamic Sciences. Malam had to work on his English fluency to pave the way for a more multifaceted academic journey. His PhD journey was equally challenging, pushing the limits of his capabilities. Malam’s PhD was supervised by one of the foremost Taymiyyan scholars in Western academia, Professor Jon Hoover.
I recall calling Malam upon hearing that he had started his PhD and recommending that he look into Professor Hoover. Malam was pleasantly surprised that I knew about Hoover and informed me that Hoover was actually his supervisor. I became acquainted with Hoover through his book, Ibn Taymiyya’s Theodicy of Perpetual Optimism. In less than three years, Malam completed his PhD. He later published a portion of his research as a book titled Ibn Taymiyyah in the Literature of Contemporary Jihadists, an excellent book with a title I have reservations about, but that’s a topic for another article.
Malam’s work ethic as the Head of the Department of Islamic Studies at Sokoto State University was commendable. Despite his popularity and significant social influence, he never allowed these factors to impact his primary duties to his academic constituents negatively.
Malam as a Scholar
Malam has mastered the social landscape in his relentless pursuit of excellence. The most important lesson from his scholarly life is to stay away from controversies and unproductive verbal spats while remaining true to one’s principles and beliefs. Although Malam is non-confrontational, it doesn’t prevent him from engaging in polarized intellectual discourse. He once wrote a booklet engaging with and critiquing a pamphlet written by one of the Sokoto scholars on a polarizing theological issue. Still, in his characteristic fashion, that discourse didn’t translate into conflict.
Apart from his scholarly rigour and eloquence, an even more impressive trait is his accessibility to all and sundry. He is not merely an ivory tower scholar buried in the dust of books, shielded from his immediate realities. Malam is a Hero archetype who is not afraid to take the road less travelled. He constantly evolves his da’wah to fit the spirit of the times while staying true to tradition.
Malam as a Public Servant
Malam has just started his journey as a public servant and is making a significant impact with his meticulous approach to public service. I know for a fact that he had no financial incentive to take that job. It was purely out of giving back to his society. He occupies a sensitive position as the commissioner for religious affairs because of the sectarian divides but has been able to navigate those tricky waters and gain confidence across the religious divide.
A good documentary on his official Facebook page delves into his incredible accomplishments within just a hundred days in office. Still, beyond that, I am particularly interested in how he has made Almajiri Education a priority, laying a groundbreaking blueprint and even seeking international partnerships. It is an impossible challenge to overcome for so many reasons, but if there is anyone for it, it is Malam.
I have a lot more to say, but the Arabs have a saying that “the best of speech is that which is concise.” You might have noticed that I have purposefully refused to use the honorifics “Dr” or “Honorable” to describe Malam. It’s because Malam is more important than anything else. Finally, and even more importantly than positive appraisals, is prayer: May Allah guide him throughout this challenging journey of incidental public service.
Abdulrahman Sani (philosopeace) wrote via philosopeace@yahoo.com.
