Cheikh Mouhamadou Macky Ibrahima Niass, prominent scholar of Medina Baye, dies at 83
Cheikh Mouhamadou Macky Ibrahima Niass, known as "Papa Macky," a respected figure in the Fayda Tidjaniya branch, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026, in Morocco at the age of 83. Born in 1943 in Medina Baye, the religious city founded by his father, Cheikh Al-Islam El Hadji Ibrahima Niass Baye Niass, he was the younger brother of the current general caliph of Medina Baye, Cheikh Mouhamadou Mahi Ibrahima Niass. Cheikh Macky Ibrahima Niass dedicated decades to teaching and preaching. He memorized the Holy Quran with his father before pursuing classical Islamic studies in Mauritania and graduating from Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, in 1976. He returned to Senegal in 1976 and furthered his education at the 脡cole normale sup茅rieure du S茅n茅gal. He became an Arabic language professor, teaching in several middle schools in Kaolack until his retirement. His religious and academic background earned him significant recognition within the Niassene community. He was known for his lectures and sermons on the Prophet Muhammad, delivered with an intonation reminiscent of his father's. In recent years, he focused on transmitting religious knowledge and played a central role in religious events in Medina Baye, particularly during the annual Gamou, where he traditionally led the night of devotion to the Prophet. Cheikh Macky Ibrahima Niass had been in Morocco for several months for medical reasons when he died from an illness, just a week after the Gamou of Medina Baye. His passing ha
