24/02/2020
Sheikh Alh-Karamba Massembe is a household name in The Gambia and Senegal. He has made worthy contributions to human advancement, particularly in relation to Islamic teachings, service to Islam and poverty alleviation. Just ask anyone; his record speaks for itself.
In April last year, when I met the venerable Sheikh at his residence in Taba Casamance, our entire conversation was centred on the subject of Wali (Saints) - who are they and what is the criteria to become one. We also discussed our opinions on what it takes to become a good human being. It was one of the greatest lectures I have ever received from a scholar.
Can you imagine, at his private Library which I was privilege to visit, there are more than 3,800 books authored by 3800 different people. Remarkably, he has read every single one of them.
In that regard, scholars are in unanimous agreement that the wisdom of a man who reads 1000 books is equal to the knowledge of a man who lived 1000 years. Thus, how about a man who reads well over 3,800 books? Certainly that man would be the ocean of knowledge wouldn't he? And that person is Alh-Karamba Massembe.
I am not sure if we have a Service to Islam Award in The Gambia but if we do, I cannot think of anyone who is more qualified and worthy to receive such an honour than him.
My brothers and sisters, you should recognise that to celebrate our scholars and give them their dues while they are alive is more inspiring than to kill 100s of cows to honour their legacy when they are no longer here.